The Sanctuary and Mausoleum of Sidi Mezwar ibn 'Ali Haydarah, situated amidst the mountainous landscape of Soumata near Hajar al-Nasr, Northern Morocco. The site marks the historic retreat and final resting place of the foundational patriarch of the 'Alami Sharifs.
From Sidi Mezwar to the Pole Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish: The Genealogical and Historical Link
The genealogical bridge between the forefather Sidi Mezwar ibn 'Ali Haydarah and the radiant spiritual pole Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish represents a crucial historical era spanning from the late 3rd/9th century to the early 7th/13th century. As documented in traditional biographical and genealogical sources, this lineage transitioned from the political aftermath of the Idrisi state into a deeply rooted spiritual and scholarly tradition in the mountain strongholds of northern Morocco.
The Generational Sequence (Chain of Descent)
Based on the text, the genealogical chain flows systematically through the direct lineage-continuing heirs (al-Mu'aqqibun) across successive generations:
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Sidi Ahmad Mezwar ibn 'Ali Haydarah
- The noble patriarch who retreated to the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr following the political persecutions in the Maghreb.
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Sidi Sallam (al-'Arus) ibn Mezwar
- Settled in the region of Majmula (Bani 'Arus) following the request of neighboring tribal factions. He was the sole continuing male heir of Sidi Mezwar.
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Sidi 'Isa ibn Sallam
- Buried near Marj Hamud, representing a central lineage figure among the early descendants.
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Sidi Bu Hurmah ibn 'Isa
- Buried near Majazliyyin, whose descendants (Awlad Bu Harath) maintained a strong presence in the region.
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Sidi 'Ali ibn Bu Hurmah
- Settled in the spiritual heartland of the Bani 'Arus territory, where his grave and his father's are marked by traditional stone enclosures (hush).
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Sidi Abu Bakr ibn 'Ali (The Unifying Ancestor of the 'Alami Lineage)
- The pivotal ancestor who left seven sons, five of whom left progeny (al-Mu'aqqibun). His sons formed the foundational branches of the 'Alami Sharifs. Among these sons was Sidi Sulayman, famously known as Mashish.
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Sidi Sulayman (Mashish)
- The father of the illustrious spiritual masters. He left three sons, most notably the eldest, who attained the highest spiritual station.
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Abu Muhammad Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish
- The Comprehensive Master and Radiant Pole (al-Qutb al-Lami'), whose shrine stands to this day at the peak of Jabal al-'Alam, marking the pinnacle of this sacred lineage.
Historical Significance of the Epoch
- The Era of Seclusion: Historians and genealogists note that ancestors spanning from Sidi Mezwar down to Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam lived roughly between the 3rd and 6th centuries AH (approx. 235–530 AH / 9th–12th centuries CE) under strict political surveillance and systemic marginalization. Consequently, they withdrew from public statecraft, preserving their heritage solely through spiritual devotion, asceticism (zuhd), and the preservation of their noble prophetic pedigree.
- Verification: This unbroken chain has been meticulously verified across centuries by official genealogical registrars (Nuqaba' al-Ashraf) and specialized scholars of the Ahl al-Bayt, anchoring the 'Alami lineages directly to the Prophet Muhammad through Fatimah al-Zahra' and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib.
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Biography of the Great Ascetic, the Knower of Allah: Mizwar ibn 'Ali Haydarah
He is the righteous saint and the forefather of the 'Alami Sharifs, Sayyidi Mizwar. His full name is Ahmad ibn 'Ali Haydarah ibn Muhammad ibn Idris II ibn Idris I ibn 'Abd Allah al-Kamil ibn al-Hasan al-Muthanna ibn al-Hasan al-Sibt ibn 'Ali and Fatimah al-Zahra' (may Allah be pleased with them), the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He devoted himself entirely to worship after the culmination of the great tragedies, calamities, and painful events that befell the Idrisi Ahl al-Bayt (Prophetic Household) in the Maghreb—calamities to which they were targeted across generations during their lives in both the East and the West. He sought his final refuge in the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr, where he resided until his death and was buried nearby.
He is counted among the prominent Gnostics in the 'Alami chain of spiritual transmission, which ultimately culminated in his descendant, the comprehensive master and radiant "Pole" (al-Qutb), Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish—who marked the end of those tragedies and tribulations that claimed the lives of many of their finest and most brilliant figures. The fortress of Hajar al-Nasr served as their final sanctuary following the trial of Ibn Abi al-'Afiya, who sought their total eradication from the Maghreb. However, Allah blessed their progeny, bestowing abundant goodness through them. Their descendants remain dispersed to this day within the tribes of Samatah and Bani 'Arus.
The discussion regarding his tomb was previously addressed in the section on the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr. Subsequently, the links of this lineage continued sequentially through his direct descendants down to the present era. Their noble lineage is meticulously documented and preserved, as transmitted by prominent scholars specializing in the genealogy of the noble Ahl al-Bayt from the inhabitants of Jabal al-'Alam and elsewhere. Among them are the descendants of the Master, Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam.
Below are their names arranged in order, beginning with the righteous saint to whom this biography is dedicated: he is—may Allah have mercy upon him—the righteous saint, Sayyidi:
- Ahmad Mizwar ibn 'Ali Haydarah ibn Muhammad ibn Idris II ibn Idris I ibn 'Abd Allah al-Kamil ibn al-Hasan al-Muthanna ibn al-Hasan al-Sibt ibn 'Ali and Fatimah al-Zahra', daughter of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
- Then his son, Sayyidi Sallam ibn Mizwar, buried near the village of Majmula at a site known as (al-Bayhal). He was buried close to his former residence, the location of which was known to the local inhabitants as (al-Rukn). Its ruins remained preserved until recent history, when ignorant individuals destroyed them to till the land. This site is located approximately one mile from Souk al-Khamis...
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...of Bani 'Arus, toward the Qiblah direction, to the left of one ascending toward the village of Majmula.
3. Then his son, the righteous saint, Sayyidi 'Isa ibn Sallam (mentioned above), buried near the village of Bu 'Ammar at a location situated below the village toward the Qiblah.
4. Then his son, the righteous saint, Sayyidi Bu Hurmah ibn 'Isa (mentioned above), buried near the village of Majazliyyin.
5. Then his son, the righteous saint, Sayyidi 'Ali ibn Abi Hurmah (mentioned above), buried in the land of Awjah on the bank of the valley opposite the village of Bu Jabal, near Souk al-Khamis—approximately half a mile to the right of the Qiblah. The aforementioned market was named after him, being referred to as "Khamis Sayyidi 'Ali".
6. Then his son, the righteous saint, "Sayyidi Abu Bakr" ibn 'Ali (mentioned above), buried near the village of 'Ayn al-Hadid at a site called Ghabat al-Dakk, to the right of the motor road leading up to Souk al-Khamis, approximately four miles away.
From the aforementioned Sallam down to Abu Bakr, none left more than a single male heir, except for Abu Bakr, who had seven sons. His lineage continued through five of them, and through these five, the 'Alami genealogical lineage unites for both the Bani 'Arus and Samatah tribes. Two of his sons left no issue: Sayyidi Maymun ibn Abi Bakr, buried in the Satta tribe at the mountain peak—which remains a well-known pilgrimage shrine among the locals—and Sayyidi al-Futuh ibn Abi Bakr, buried at a site called al-'Anasir near the hamlet of 'Ayn Ziyana, a short distance from his father’s grave, frequently visited by the people of the neighboring settlements.
As for the five sons who left descendants, detailed accounts of each will follow alongside their respective biographies. These ancestors—from Mizwar to the Master Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam—lived during a historical era spanning approximately from the year 235 AH to 530 AH. We have found no precise recorded dates for any of them, as they lived under political surveillance and neglect, retaining only their spiritual and religious devotion.
The Origin of the Name of the Bani 'Arus Tribe
This account is derived from oral traditions transmitted by the elders of the Bani 'Arus tribe regarding the arrival of the righteous saint, Sayyidi Sallam ibn Mizwar. The reason for naming the tribe as such traces back to...
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...some of the Habt tribes residing near the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr. When the towns stabilized and the oppression against the Idrisids ceased, a remnant of them remained at the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr, headed by Mizwar. The virtuous and devout people among the neighboring inhabitants gathered and said: "Let us go to this Sheikh at the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr and request one of his family members to reside among us, seeking blessings through the Prophet's Household (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in our lands."
For this purpose, representatives from eight factions gathered, namely:
- Awlad al-'Afiya
- Awlad Bu Harath
- Awlad al-Rawwas (who were called Awlad 'Abd Allah)
- Awlad al-Naqmush
- Awlad al-Kamus
- Awlad Sabu
- Awlad al-Hayik
- Awlad al-'Aburi
Remnants of these factions still reside within the tribes of Bani 'Arus and Samatah. Delegates from these factions went to the fortress of Hajar al-Nasr, where the chief of the people was the devout ascetic and righteous saint, Sayyidi Mizwar. As previously noted, he had another proper name, whereas the term Mizwar was a title applied to the chieftain and leader of the community. He was a devout man of piety, righteousness, and virtue. They met with him and presented their request, asking him to send one of his sons or family members to reside among them for the blessings of the Prophet's Household. He granted their request and selected his son "Sallam" (whose full name was 'Abd al-Salam, shortened to Sallam).
It is said that Sallam was a newlywed groom ('Arus) at that time. His father selected him after gathering his sons and subjecting them to a subtle test whose purpose they did not perceive. He questioned them one by one: "My son, if someone treats you with goodness and kindness in your life, how do you reward him?" They replied that they would reward goodness with goodness. He then asked: "And if someone treats you with evil, how do you reward him?" They answered: "With evil, for 'the recompense of an injury is an injury like it.'" He then dismissed each until only Sallam, the groom, remained. When asked about evil deeds, Sallam replied: "I shall reward his evil with goodness, until my goodness overcomes his evil."
Thereupon, his father said to him: "My son, you are the one fit to live among the people, given the noble character, patience under hardship, and returning bad with good that Allah has bestowed upon you." He then explained the people's request, to which Sallam replied: "O father, I am in full obedience to your wishes; do as you see fit." His father instructed him to prepare to depart with the delegation. When they departed the fortress accompanied by his bride, his father counselled him with the fear of Allah, patience, and forbearance in dealing with the people.
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He prayed for their goodness, blessing, and steadfastness in obedience to Allah Almighty, saying to them: "I have given you 'my son, the groom' (Ibni 'Arus), so treat him as you would treat yourselves and your families, for he is one of you." They bade farewell and departed for their lands. Upon reaching a land called al-Baymal near the hamlet of Majmula—where his tomb is located—they found that the land belonged to one of the Awlad al-Rawwas (known as Awlad 'Abd Allah). It was fertile agricultural land along the great valley. He liked the location, and when Awlad al-'Afiya and Awlad Bu Harath asked him to settle in their respective villages, he declined, saying: "This shall be my home, Allah willing."
The owner from Awlad al-Rawwas donated the land to him as a gift, saying: "I have granted it to you in its entirety (Majmula)." Subsequently, a village formed near this site and was named Majmula, which exists to this day. Most of its inhabitants are descendants of the righteous saint al-'Arus, along with remnants of Awlad al-Rawwas. The saint resided there until his death and was buried there, leaving only one son named ('Isa).
A dispute arose between Awlad al-'Afiya and Awlad Bu Harath over who would take 'Isa to their village. Awlad al-'Afiya, being the stronger faction, took him to their village. He lived among them until his passing and was buried near their village at the grand shrine located in the village of Marj Hamud.
Sayyidi 'Isa left only one son named "Bu Hurmah," who was taken by Awlad Bu Harath to their village, Majazliyyin. He lived among them honored and esteemed until his death, and was buried near the village under a grand shrine similar to his father's.
Sayyidi Bu Hurmah left only one son named "'Ali," who grew up honored in the care of his parents. Upon his death, he was buried near the site of his grandfather, Sallam al-'Arus. This site is considered the spiritual heart of the Bani 'Arus tribe. Neither 'Isa nor 'Ali has an elaborate mausoleum; rather, stone enclosures (Hush) mark their graves according to custom.
Sayyidi 'Ali ibn Bu Hurmah left only one son, "Abu Bakr" ibn 'Ali, who lived in the village of al-Husn, passed away in 'Ayn al-Hadid, and was buried nearby in Ghabat al-Dakk under a grand shrine. These grand monuments built amid forests and surrounded by tall trees testify to the deep devotion felt toward the Prophet's Household.
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...upon the Noble Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him and upon them all. It is noted that a customary tradition has been maintained by the descendants of Awlad al-'Afiya since the time of their early ancestors: they enclose and prepare the cemetery of the righteous saint, Sayyidi 'Isa ibn Sallam, to mark the inauguration of the agricultural plowing season each year. Due to this sincere intention, the blessings of goodness have endured among the people of this village.
They maintain a distinct status regarding unity and solidarity within the Bani 'Arus tribe. If one were to visit their village, one would observe remarkable harmony, sound judgment, and resolve. Their women are no less resolute than their men in this regard, as these traditions were inherited across generations. This confirms that the virtue of the branch stems from the virtue of the root, and that their ancestors received an answered prayer whose blessings endure in their descendants to this day. As Allah Almighty states: "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves."
It is also observed regarding Awlad Bu Harath of Majazliyyin that they were people of strength and prestige, alongside their good reputation and piety. Their village produced men noted for their sound counsel and leadership. However, in recent times, a decline occurred due to internal rivalry, envy, and deviation from the path of their ancestors. Some wrongfully claimed lineage to Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam and engaged in legal disputes over endowments. The courts ultimately dismissed their false claims, as their ancestors were innocent of such fabrications.
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...from the best of people who emulate in this the goodness and guidance possessed by their fathers and forefathers—may Allah have mercy upon them, reward them, and settle them in His spacious gardens, and may He grant us and them success in that which pleases Allah and His Messenger.
Biography of Abu Bakr, the Unifying Ancestor of the 'Alami Lineage
He is the righteous saint, Sayyidi Abu Bakr, the unifying ancestor of the 'Alami lineage, son of the righteous saint, Sayyidi 'Ali, son of the righteous saint, Sayyidi Abu Hurmah, son of the righteous saint, Sayyidi 'Isa, son of the righteous saint, Sayyidi Sallam al-'Arus, son of the righteous saint, Sayyidi Mizwar. We have not found anyone who recorded specific historical dates for these venerable figures. This is likely due to the conditions of neglect necessitated by the lifestyle of ascetics and those who renounced worldly life, especially those who lived away from politics and prominence under the surveillance that followed the fall of their state—as is the case with anyone who experienced public life and was subsequently removed from it. He likely lived during the second half of the fifth century.
The Household of the Righteous master Sayyidi Abu Bakr
The righteous saint, Sayyidi Abu Bakr, the unifying ancestor of the 'Alami lineage, left seven male sons, two of whom left no descendants (as previously discussed), while five of them were distinguished and left progeny. We list them in order: his first son.
- Sayyidi (Sulayman), famously nicknamed "Mashish" with a meem (or baa' as some say). He is buried in the village of Aghil, where his grave has an enclosure above human height coated with lime. Near the verdant retreat (khalwah) stands his mosque, which remains standing to this day alongside the traces of his dwelling. His mosque remains preserved for prayer, accessed only by those who seek prayer, worship, and remembrance in seclusion. As for the aforementioned village, it has been deserted for nearly 52 Hijri years, and its inhabitants dispersed among neighboring tribes. Among them was the renowned scholar and jurist, Faqih Marsuwa, who passed away following the Spanish occupation of Jabal al-'Alam—the very reason for the evacuation of the village's inhabitants. This occurred after the imposition of the Protectorate over Morocco in the year 1346 AH corresponding to 1927 CE. He was buried near the shrine of his paternal uncle, Sayyidi Mashish. Near this shrine are residential quarters inhabited by a community called Bu 'Alqamah, located close to the hamlet of ruined Aghil.
- His son, Sayyidi "Yunus" ibn Abi Bakr, buried at the upper part of the village of al-Husn.
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- His son, Sayyidi 'Ali ibn Abi Bakr, buried in the village of Mayzan. His tomb lies near the village in a secluded area surrounded by wild trees, enclosed by a dry-stone wall (Hush). Surrounding it is a cemetery for his descendants and relatives.
- His son, Sayyidi Ahmad ibn Abi Bakr, buried in Ghabat al-Dakk near his father, within the enclosure toward the Qiblah direction.
- His son, Sayyidi Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr (nicknamed al-Mulhi), buried alongside his father's grave in Ghabat al-Dakk, approximately fifty paces away. His grave is surrounded by a lime-washed stone wall.
These five sons of Sayyidi Abu Bakr ibn 'Ali are the sole lineage-continuing heirs (al-Mu'aqqibun). They constitute the ancestral origin of all whose lineage to Jabal al-'Alam is authentically established. Descendants of these five remain dispersed throughout numerous families within the Bani 'Arus tribe and beyond. Detailed genealogical records, verified by official genealogical marshals (Nuqaba'), trace these lineages directly to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The Mashishi House
The righteous saint (Sulayman), nicknamed "Mashish," left three male heirs:
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- The Comprehensive Master and Radiant Pole (al-Qutb), possessor of sublime spiritual insights, religious sciences, and divine gifts: Abu Muhammad Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish. He is buried at the peak of Jabal al-'Alam, where his shrine stands to this day.
- His elder brother, the righteous saint, Sayyidi al-Hajj Musa al-Rida. He is buried in the upper part of the village of Dar Bijaw near Titrawt, under a dry-stone enclosure. Nearby stands his place of worship. He passed away 20 years before his brother, Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam, and it is recorded that the latter visited his brother's grave every Friday.
- Their brother, Sayyidi Yamlah ibn Mashish. He is buried behind his father's grave under a stone enclosure coated with lime. All three were full brothers born to the noble mother, Sayyidatuna Zahra, sister of Sayyidi Ibrahim ibn 'Arif. Her lineage traces back to Sayyiduna Hunayn, making her an Idrisi 'Amrani Sharifah. She is buried at Khandaq Ibran under a lime-coated stone enclosure visible from Tinnat al-Manazih.
The House of the Comprehensive Master, Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam
Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish left four sons and one daughter named Fatimah:
- Sayyidi Muhammad, his eldest son, buried behind his father's grave inside the blessed enclosure (al-Rawdah) alongside his father's servant, Ibn Khaddamah.
- Sayyidi Ahmad ibn Mawlana 'Abd al-Salam, who passed away during his father's lifetime as a man with children, and was buried near his father's residence at a place called Adyaz al-Fawqani,
- and was buried near his father's residence at a place called Adyaz al-Fawqani, where there was formerly a ruined village of which only ruins remain.
End of the Section, to be continued
Author
Taher Ben Abdessalam El Lhioui Al-Wahhabi Al-Alami Al-Hassani
Foreword
Abdallah Guennoun
Digital Edition, Translation and Presentation
Jaafar El Lhioui
Northern Morocco ArchiveConclusion
The archival lineage records preserved by historian Taher El Lhioui offer critical insights into the structural dynamics of the early prophetic households. By documenting these primary transmissions and clarifying descendant pathways, his work serves as an essential bridge connecting foundational Islamic history with the genealogical heritage of Northern Morocco.
Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters of this digital series as we continue to unlock rare documents from the Northern Morocco Archive.
Researcher, Editor, and Digital Activist
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