Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the 14th Edition of the Samaa Marrakech Festival: Sufi Meetings and Music. The event was organized by the Samaa Marrakech Foundation in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Marrakech Communal Council, from 4 to 7 December 2025, under the theme “Marrakech, Maqam of the Soul’s Bliss.”

Dr. Benarafa delivered a scholarly address during the international symposium titled “Current State of Sufi Studies,” which also featured Dr. Ahmed Toufiq, Moroccan Minister of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, along with several specialists from universities in France, Italy, and Belgium.

In his address, Dr. Benarafa emphasized that Sufism is an integral part of Islamic heritage that contributes to self-refinement and the promotion of values reinforcing social cohesion. He reviewed the major transformations that are currently shaping Sufi studies, noting that they have moved beyond the mere analysis of classical texts to adopt multidisciplinary approaches combining rigorous scientific research, philosophical and spiritual perspectives, and socio-cultural studies.

Dr. Benarafa further explained that artificial intelligence opens new horizons for Sufi research through text analysis and manuscript digitization, while stressing the need to approach these technologies with critical awareness to preserve the spiritual essence of the Sufi experience.