Saʿdīyah

The Sa'diyyah, also known as the Jibawiyyah, is a branch of the Rifai'yyah Sufi order, primarily found in Egypt and Syria. Founded in Damascus by Sa'd ad-Din al-Jibawi in the 14th century, this order is an offshoot of the Qadiriyyah, established in Iraq by Ahmad ar-Rifa'i.1

The Sa'diyyah's practices include inducing ecstasy through physical motion, specifically whirling on the right heel. The sheikh, or leader, would also ride a horse over the prone bodies of members. These extreme practices, along with thaumaturgical acts, may have emerged under Mongol influence and are generally not approved by orthodox Islam. The Rifai'yyah order itself is known for its distinct ritual prayer (dhikr), where members link arms and sway back and forth to achieve ecstasy.1