For this new chapter in our series "Lights of Faith," Seneweb opens the doors to the Zawiya El Hadji Malick Sy. In this sanctuary where time seems to stand still to the rhythm of sacred verses, a man selflessly watches over Maodo's most precious legacy: the Daara. A portrait of Serigne Babacar Sy Abdoul Aziz, known as Ndiol Fouta, the son of Dabakh, who has made the free transmission of the Quran his life's work.

Serigne Babacar Sy Abdoul Aziz, known as Ndiol Fouta: the guardian of the Daara of Mame Maodo

By Ablaye Gadiaga Sarr and Abdoulaye Sèye

At the Zawiya El Hadji Malick Sy, the talibés sit on the ground, focused on learning the Holy Quran. In this spiritual atmosphere, marked by the blessed month of Ramadan, voices rise to recite the lessons, while other faithful rest in the shade of the arcades. Here, in the city of Maodo, tradition remains alive.

Founded in 1902, this Zawiya was conceived as a true people's university. Moulaye Abdoul Aziz Diop, grandson of El Hadji Malick Sy, recalls that this highly symbolic place houses the tombs of Maodo and his illustrious sons: Serigne Mansour Sy, Serigne Habib Sy, and Serigne Abdoul Aziz Sy Dabakh. More than a century after the founder's passing, the management of the Daara—one of his greatest legacies—is entrusted to Serigne Babacar Sy Abdoul Aziz, better known as Ndiol Fouta.

The excellence of knowledge, completely free of charge.

Under his leadership, the institution welcomes more than 600 talibés, supervised by some thirty Quranic teachers. "The notable feature of this Daara is that the teaching is entirely free. The talibés pay no fees; all expenses are covered by Ndiol Fouta, with the blessing of the General Khalif of the Tijaniyya, Serigne Babacar Sy Mansour," explains Moulaye Abdoul Aziz Diop.

The son of Serigne Abdoul Aziz Sy Dabakh and Sokhna Khady Ndiaye, Serigne Babacar Sy distinguished himself early on by his devotion to the Holy Book. As a child, he was sent to Fouta-Toro for his education, a stay that earned him the affectionate nickname "Ndiol Fouta." After completing his religious education, he pursued higher studies in Morocco, further solidifying his erudition.

A family and social priesthood

When his father, Dabakh Malick, began to feel the weight of years, the question of succession at the head of the Daara arose. Serigne Babacar Sy voluntarily offered himself to assume this weighty responsibility. Since then, he has devoted most of his life to the spiritual guidance of the Daara, with no other concern than the teaching and well-being of the students.

Beyond his educational mission, Ndiol Fouta is renowned for his immense humanism. A man of faith and generosity, he redistributes his resources freely. During this month of Ramadan, he organizes large daily distributions of meals to break the fast, transforming the Daara into a haven of solidarity where everyone is invited to share the iftar.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Serigne Babacar Sy Abdoul Aziz today embodies the perfect continuity of Mame Maodo's work, combining the rigor of knowledge with the nobility of heart.