For this third installment of our "Lights of Faith" series, Seneweb takes you to the railway capital, Thiès, to meet a monumental figure of Mouridism. If the name of Serigne Saliou Touré resonates with such fervor in Thiès, it is as much for his piety as for the institution of "Foulkou," this moment of grace that illuminates each month of Ramadan. A deep dive into the life of a man who was the link between the teachings of Serigne Touba and the faithful of Thiès .

 

An emblematic figure of the Mouride brotherhood in Thiès, Serigne Saliou Touré's legacy is being revisited today. Alé Thiam, head of communications for the late guide's religious family, reflects on his life, his work, and the history of the "Foulkou," celebrated every year during the month of Ramadan.

Born in the 1930s in Keur Cheikh Madiop Touré, in the Thiès region, Serigne Saliou Touré came from a family deeply rooted in the Mouride tradition. His father, Serigne Cheikh Ahmadou Coumba Touré, and his mother, Sokhna Anta Khouma, were disciples of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, commonly known as Serigne Touba.

After memorizing the Holy Quran, he continued his Islamic studies under the tutelage of Serigne Saliou Mbacké. He was then sent to Diourbel to deepen his religious knowledge with several renowned scholars, such as Serigne Modou Dème, Serigne Mor Mbaye Cissé, and Serigne Mamadou Lamine Diop Dagana. Following this enriching journey, he settled in Got, in the commune of Notto Diobass, on the instructions of his spiritual guide.

The settlement in Thiès and the beginning of Foulkou

In 1980, at the request of the then-Khalif General of the Mourides, Serigne Abdoul Ahad Mbacké, Serigne Saliou Touré was appointed to represent the brotherhood in Thiès. This appointment, supported by several Mouride dignitaries, marked a decisive turning point in his spiritual mission. He officially took up residence in the railway capital on the 9th day of Ramadan in 1980.

This date coincides with the launch of the Foulkou in Thiès, with the authorization of the Khalif. Until then, only the city of Diourbel was authorized to organize this particular ceremony. "The Foulkou is a recital of the xassida "Foulkou Mashhoun", written by Ahmadou Bamba during his exile at sea.

The expression means "decorated canoe." This powerful spiritual moment is celebrated every year by the family and disciples in remembrance of his arrival and the beginning of his mission in Thiès," explains Alé Thiam. Initially, Serigne Saliou Touré himself led the Foulkou, before gradually passing this responsibility on to his disciple, Serigne Ibrahima Guèye.

A committed religious leader

Serigne Saliou Touré is described as a multidimensional guide, deeply committed to transmitting the teachings of Serigne Touba. He tirelessly advocated respect for the pillars of Islam, the value of work, solidarity, peace, and brotherhood.

During the month of Ramadan, he made solidarity an absolute priority. He shared his possessions daily, offered the "ndogou" (the meal to break the fast) to the faithful, and helped those in need, sometimes even giving away his own resources or borrowing money to support others. According to his relatives, he never refused to help and made no distinction between people, welcoming everyone with the same kindness.

A prepared succession

Three years before his passing, Serigne Saliou Touré had carefully prepared his succession by training his son, Serigne Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Touré. He had gradually entrusted him with the highest religious responsibilities of the family.

Serigne Saliou Touré passed away on September 16, 2023. He was succeeded by his son, with the blessing of the Caliph General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. Today, the annual celebration of the 9th day of Ramadan perpetuates his spiritual legacy in Thiès, remaining faithful to the teachings of the founder of Mouridism.