Skiredj Library of Tijani Studies
The Skiredj family, originally from Andalusia, settled in Morocco in the 10th century of the Hijri calendar. The family name comes from the "Shkirj" region near Granada, named after a cold mountain perpetually covered in snow. The family established itself in several Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Fes, Tangier, and Tetouan, and gained distinction by holding prestigious positions under the confidence of the sultans of Morocco, notably in managing important religious brotherhoods.
The family’s roots trace back to the Banou Ansar and the Khazraj tribe, with a direct lineage to the noble companion Hassan ibn Thabit, the poet of the Prophet. It is said that Hassan embraced Islam after being deeply moved by the grandeur of the Prophet, who honored him and made him his defender through poetry. The Skiredj family inherited this noble legacy, excelling in science and literature, and takes pride in its ancestral Arab lineage and close connection to Islamic history.
Over the centuries, the Skiredj family has produced eminent scholars, mystics, writers, and historians. Among them, four notable figures highlight the depth and authenticity of this lineage. The first is poet and writer (and minister) Mohammed Ben Taïb, a figure of noble values and a remarkable character who served as a writer to Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Al-Alaoui.
Next is engineer Zoubeir Ben Abd Al-Wahab, who studied modern sciences in England before returning to Morocco to serve his country in key diplomatic and military roles, contributing to the establishment and development of various national projects. The scholar Abdel Salam Ben Ahmed, a historian and jurist, immortalized the history of Tetouan in a unique work that gathers the events and notable figures of the city.
Adding to this illustrious family heritage is the role of Al-Makki Ben Al-Barnoussi Skiredj in leading the Moroccan army after the defeat at Tetouan, a mission entrusted to him by Sultan Moulay Mohammed Ben Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alaoui, after observing Morocco’s deteriorated state following its defeat by the Spanish army in that unfortunate war. This legacy of the Skiredj family has been passed down through generations, accompanied by the blessing and prayer of the Prophet for their protection and salvation, an honor the family takes great pride in.
In this context, it is worth mentioning a particular honor that brings joy to the Skiredj family: the Prophet's prayer, peace and blessings upon him, for them. This was reported by the scholar Sidi Ahmed Ben Al-Hajj Al-Ayachi Skiredj in his book Tanbih al-Ikhwan. He relates that Sayyida Ruqayya, daughter of their maternal brother Sidi Mohammed (al-Laban) Skiredj, saw the Prophet in a dream, asked him for a prayer of blessing, and he prayed for her, saying: “O Allah, grant her salvation along with all the children of Skiredj.” He then advised her to say: “Mohammed has illuminated me. Allah. Allah. Mohammed enlightens my eyes. Allah. Allah.” She repeated these words until she awoke. We praise God for including this prayer in our favor and thank Him for His care toward us. (End of the citation from Tanbih al-Ikhwan).