Zawiyah (Sufi orders)

Zawiyah refers to a Sufi lodge or center where practitioners of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, gather for spiritual development. These spiritual communities focus on inner purification, meditation, prayer, and chanting to deepen their connection with God. Sufi orders, or "tariqas," often organize around a spiritual guide or master and share specific teachings and rituals. Zawiyas serve as places of learning, worship, and community, fostering devotion, ethical conduct, and a shared pursuit of spiritual closeness to the divine. They are integral to how Sufis practice and preserve their mystical traditions.