Le Grand Magal de Touba is one of the most important religious events in Senegal, celebrated every year by the mouride brotherhood. This event, which attracts millions of faithful from Senegal and the diaspora, commemorates the departure into exile of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the founder of mouridism, to Gabon in 1895, ordered by the French colonial authorities. This date marks not only a moment of persecution, but also a symbol of spiritual resistance and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Le Magal, which means “celebration” or “commemoration” in Wolof, is an act of gratitude to Allah for the trials overcome by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, also called Serigne Touba or Khadim Rassoul (“the servant of the Prophet”). The history of the Magal truly begins on 16 July 1921 (18 Safar 1313 in the Islamic calendar), when Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, then in residence surveilée at Diourbel, received what he described as the “Agrément Divin” (Ngueureum), a spiritual recognition of his sacrifices and his devotion. He then ordered his disciples to celebrate this event by giving thanks to Allah through prayers, recitations of khassaïdes (spiritual poems written by Bamba), acts of charity and community gatherings. Le Grand Magal de Touba is not only a religious commemoration, but also a celebration of resilience, faith and Senegalese cultural identity.
The Grand Magal of Touba and Serigne Touba Khadim Rassoul
