Touba is bustling with great joy and energy. As people head for the Great Exhibition on Mouridism on the East Esplanade of the Great Mosque, there is much jostling and a sense of expectation. On approach, one only sees the enormous marquee which occupies 2000square meters.
Inside the marquee, with its huge sashes of cream and brown satin draped below the ceiling and on the walls, there is much activity as the huge hall is filled with people all wanting to see this impressive sight with stand after stand of information about Mouridism.
There are huge television screens broadcasting various scenes regarding Mouridism – images of Sheikhoul Khadim, the city of
There is a constant flashing of cameras as people try to capture such a wonderful moment – words cannot really do justice to the whole atmosphere, the feel of the carpet under bare feet, sympathetic lighting to highlight the exhibition, the beautiful colours of the fabrics, the women in their scarves, elaborately embroidered and all looking their best. There are looks of joy on the visitors’ faces as they read about their venerated spiritual guides. There are a lot of children with their exercise books writing down such important lessons as the going into exile of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the Sheikh’s family history and the cultural values of Mouridism.
The television screens are now showing the live broadcast of the Khassidas being sang from the House of Serigne Fadilou Mbacke. In one corner of the podium a member of the press is interviewing a man from the Hizbut Tarqiyyah organisation and near the exit; a visitor has been stopped by a journalist and asked to tell of their experience in the great hall.
The auditorium is alive with the sounds of a speaker talking about the Teachings of Cheikhoul Khadim to a fully packed auditorium with 700 seats. In the main hall, there is a podium set up for a seminar and it is wonderful to see the whole place with one thought and agenda in mind and that is Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
At the end of the seminar, the hall is alive with the sound of Khassidas and more people streaming in. There are people from all walks of life and of all nationalities and race. There is certainly a feeling of great solidarity in Touba. Sheikhoul Khadim does bring people together and amidst all the bustling and activity there is a sense of peace.