Muslim Peacemakers
Shaykh Abdoulaye Dieye of Senegal, Africa (1938-2002)
Shaykh Abdoulaye Dieye was a candidate for the presidency in Senegal, a member of the Parliament, deputy mayor of his hometown in Saint Louis, and spiritual leader of a branch of the Muridiyyah Sufi Order. He touched the hearts of many people in Santa Barbara and around the world where he gave lectures or workshops on many topics, including spiritual politics, global peace, Sufi healing, interfaith dialogue, African teaching stories and comparative religion. He emphasized the oneness of God’s message, while recognizing the many messengers from all the authentic traditions. Though he was a devout Muslim, people of different faiths, including rabbis, considered him their teacher.
Shaykh Abdoulaye Dieye’s exemplars were all of the divinely sent Messengers and saints of all religions. His closest companion in spirit, though, was Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba. It was perhaps one of Shaykh Dieye’s greatest desires was for more people to learn of Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba’s cultural and spiritual legacy and the significance his universal message and nonviolent struggle has for attaining peace in the world today.