How did the Sanusiyyah movement contribute to unity in Libya?

The Sanusiyyah movement, an Islamic brotherhood founded in 1837, played a pivotal role in fostering unity across the regions of Libya by providing the local population with religious instruction and material assistance. By establishing a network of monastic complexes known as zāwiyahs, the movement integrated itself deeply into the existing tribal systems, particularly in Cyrenaica.12

This organizational structure created a shared sense of identity and purpose among the Bedouins and oasis dwellers. The movement’s influence grew as it became a focal point for political resistance against Italian colonization, eventually positioning its leader, Idris I, as a unifying figure. Following the Second World War, the movement's established authority helped facilitate the transition to independence, culminating in Idris being proclaimed king of the United Kingdom of Libya in 1951. Through its blend of religious reform and social support, the Sanusiyyah provided a foundational framework that helped bridge regional divides during the country's formation.213