When I first heard Moroccans mention "The Seven Men of Marrakech," I thought it was just another local saying. Little did I know that behind these simple words lay centuries of fascinating history that reveals so much about Morocco's spiritual and political past. Join me as we explore the rich story of Marrakech's Seven Men and how this tradition continues to shape the city's identity today.
The Origins: More Than Just a Saying
"Seven Men" (Sab'atu Rijal in Arabic) is a common phrase you'll hear throughout Morocco, especially in Marrakech. As I wandered through the ancient medina of Marrakech last year, my friend Ahmed explained to me that this isn't just a casual expression - it's deeply rooted in Morocco's complex spiritual history.
The story begins during a turbulent period in Moroccan history. After the fall of the Saadian dynasty in the mid-17th century, Morocco was experiencing significant political instability. During this challenging time, Sufi brotherhoods and zawiyas (religious lodges) gained tremendous influence as they provided essential services to communities - food, shelter, security, and spiritual guidance when the central government couldn't.
The Rekraka Zawiya and the First Seven Men
One particularly powerful zawiya was the Rekraka, which controlled the Haha and Chiadma regions in the southwest of Morocco. Around 1640, they entered into conflict with the Saadian Sultan Mohammed Sheikh al-Asghar - and defeated him.
To celebrate their victory and enhance their prestige, the Rekraka spread stories about "Seven Saints" who had supposedly helped them defeat the Sultan. These legendary figures were claimed to be either companions of Prophet Muhammad or disciples of Prophet Jesus! The Rekraka created elaborate stories about these saints' miraculous powers and established a 40-day festival where people from across the region would come to visit these saints' shrines in rituals that resembled the Hajj pilgrimage.
This clever spiritual marketing strategy worked brilliantly - it significantly boosted the tribe's political and economic power.
The Royal Response: Marrakech's Seven Men
The Saadian Sultan recognized the threat posed by these Rekraka saints and decided to counter their influence by establishing his own competing "Seven Men" in Marrakech. His goal was to draw pilgrims to his capital city instead of to the Rekraka territory, building alternative shrines and creating rituals that would support his authority rather than undermine it.
However, before this plan could fully materialize, the Saadian dynasty fell in 1658. It was the Alaouite dynasty, particularly Sultan Moulay Ismail who ruled from 1672 to 1727, who would actually complete this project.
After consolidating his power through various military campaigns against rival Sufi orders, Sultan Moulay Ismail recognized that he couldn't defeat the Rekraka through force alone. Their power was spiritual, so he needed a spiritual counter-strategy.
Creating Marrakech's Seven Men
Moulay Ismail entrusted one of Morocco's greatest religious scholars of the time, Abu al-Hassan al-Yusi, with selecting seven alternative saints who would become the official "Seven Men of Marrakech." These carefully chosen figures represented various aspects of Islamic virtue and Moroccan identity:
- Yusuf Ibn Ali: Selected for his patience while suffering from smallpox, reminiscent of the biblical/Quranic prophet Job.
- Qadi Ayyad: The most famous Maliki jurist in Moroccan history, who served as judge in Ceuta and Granada. His books are considered authoritative references, and he was known for his integrity, knowledge, and patriotism.
- Abu al-Abbas as-Sabti: The first major Sufi figure in Marrakech's history, whose doctrine was founded on charity, solidarity, and defending the poor and needy.
- Muhammad al-Jazuli: The founder of the Jazuliyya Sufi order whose works revived Sufism in Morocco. His efforts helped unite Moroccans against foreign invasion, making him a model of sacrifice and dedication to national unity.
- Abdulaziz at-Tabaa: One of al-Jazuli's prominent disciples who spread Sufi ethics among craftsmen and artisans.
- Abdullah al-Ghazwani: Contributed significantly to Morocco's unification during the 16th century.
- Abdurrahman as-Suhayli: Known for his scholarship, spiritual virtues, and poetry praising Prophet Muhammad.
Creating a New Pilgrimage Tradition
To lend legitimacy and appeal to these new saints, Sultan Moulay Ismail ordered the renovation and construction of impressive shrines, particularly for Muhammad al-Jazuli, Abu al-Abbas as-Sabti, and Yusuf Ibn Ali. He also distributed generous funds to the caretakers of these shrines.
The visitation route for Marrakech's Seven Men was designed as a circular path, beginning in the southeast of the city and ending in the southwest - inspired by the circumambulation of the Kaaba in Mecca. This clever design ensured that pilgrims would visit the maximum number of neighborhoods, stimulating economic and social activity throughout Marrakech.
Unlike the Rekraka festival which lasted 40 days, the visitation of Marrakech's Seven Men could be completed in just seven days - one day for each saint. Those short on time could even complete the entire circuit in a single day. This accessibility made the practice more appealing and practical.
The Living Tradition
The ritual became deeply embedded in Marrakech's culture. Women and children in particular would perform the visitation every Friday, engaging in various practices including prayer, remembrance (dhikr), charity, animal sacrifice, and sometimes even dance. Some rituals occasionally incorporated magical elements, despite attempts by Sultan Moulay Sulayman (a religious scholar himself) to eliminate these practices.
The tradition became so central to Marrakech's identity that the city became known as "The City of Seven Men." Visiting these shrines even became part of royal protocols that sultans were expected to respect. This tradition continued until the reign of Sultan Mohammed V in the mid-20th century.
Seven Men Today: A Living Legacy
While modernization has reduced the prevalence of the Seven Men visitation ritual, the name and concept remain strongly associated with Marrakech. Many Marrakchi families still maintain the tradition, passing it down from generation to generation.
Walking through Marrakech today, you can still visit these seven shrines - though many tourists pass by them without understanding their historical significance. The shrine of Sidi Abu al-Abbas as-Sabti is particularly impressive, located in a beautiful complex in the Kasbah quarter that continues to attract visitors seeking baraka (blessings).
My Personal Experience
Last Ramadan, I visited the zawiya of Sidi Abu al-Abbas as-Sabti after breaking my fast. The courtyard was filled with locals praying and socializing. An elderly gentleman noticed my curious glances and explained the saint's importance to the city. "He was the protector of the poor," he told me. "Even centuries later, people come here when they need help."
I was struck by how this history - which began as a political maneuver - had transformed over the centuries into genuine devotion that continues to provide spiritual comfort to many Moroccans today.
Practical Information for Visitors
If you're interested in exploring this aspect of Moroccan heritage during your visit to Marrakech, here are some tips:
- Shrine Etiquette: When visiting any of the Seven Men shrines, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering interior spaces, and speak quietly out of respect. Non-Muslims typically cannot enter prayer areas but can often view courtyards.
- Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or after afternoon prayers tend to be quieter times. Avoid Friday prayers when sites will be busiest.
- Location: Most of the shrines are scattered throughout the medina, with Sidi Abu al-Abbas as-Sabti's complex being one of the easiest to find and most welcoming to visitors.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide who can explain the historical context and significance of each shrine. This transforms simple sightseeing into a deeper cultural understanding.
Beyond a Tourist Attraction
What fascinates me most about the Seven Men tradition is how it illustrates the blend of politics, spirituality, and cultural identity that makes Morocco so complex and fascinating. What began as a strategic move by a sultan to secure his power has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition that has shaped Marrakech's urban development and spiritual landscape for centuries.
In our modern world of carefully curated tourist experiences, the Seven Men of Marrakech offer something more authentic - a living tradition that continues to hold meaning for local inhabitants while revealing fascinating layers of Moroccan history to those curious enough to look beyond the surface.
Reflections on Moroccan Identity
The story of the Seven Men reminds us that Morocco's identity has always been shaped by a complex interplay of political power, spiritual authority, and popular tradition. Even today, the monarchy and religious institutions continue to influence each other in ways that might seem foreign to visitors from more secular societies.
As you explore Marrakech, I encourage you to look beyond the bustling souks and stunning palaces. Visit at least one of these seven shrines, and you'll gain insight into the spiritual foundations that have shaped this magical city for centuries.
Have you visited any of Morocco's sacred sites or experienced local traditions during your travels? Share your experiences in the comments below - I'd love to hear how these encounters have shaped your understanding of this beautiful country!