| Cheikh Al Kamel Mausoleum | |
| Native Name: | Arabic: ضريح الشيخ الكامل |
| Native Name Lang: | ara |
| Map Type: | Morocco |
| Map Size: | 240 |
| Map Relief: | 1 |
| Coordinates: | 33.8988°N -5.5706°W |
| Religious Affiliation: | Islam |
| Location: | Meknes, Morocco |
| Festivals: | --> |
| District: | Bab al-Jadid |
| Region: | Fès-Meknès |
| Country: | Morocco |
| Functional Status: | Active |
| Architecture Type: | mausoleum, zawiya and mosque |
| Architecture Style: | Moroccan |
| Creator: | Mohammed ben Abdallah |
| Established: | 16th century |
| Year Completed: | 1776 |
| Date Destroyed: | --> |
| Minaret Quantity: | 1 |
| Shrine Quantity: | 1 |
| Elevation Ft: | --> |
The Shaykh al-Kamil Mausoleum (Arabic: ضريح الشيخ الكامل), romanized as Cheikh Al Kamel Mausoleum also known as the Mausoleum of al-Hadi ben Issa (ضريح الهادي بنعيسى) is a historic religious complex located in Meknes, Morocco.[1]
It consists of a zawiya, mosque, and the mausoleum of Mohammed al-Hadi ben Issa the founder of the Isawiyya order of Sufism.
The mausoleum of Mohamed ben Issa, a prominent Ash'ari scholar and Sufi mystic, was established in the 16th century.[2] Later in 1776, the Alaouite ruler, Mohammed Ben Abdallah, built a completely new structure around the saint's tomb.[3] The minaret appears to have been a later addition. The complex is currently used as both a mosque and mausoleum.[1]
See main article: Mawlid. The celebration of Mawlid, which is the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, occurs at the mausoleum.[4] This festival is different from other Mawlids, due to it being done in the unique Issawi style. Instruments like the ta'raj, the brass, the flutes, the drums, the trumpet, are played, before the participants enter a long session of dhikr and meditation. Traditionally, dates are a meal during this festive occasion.
The rituals of the Issawi order are performed here.[5] The mausoleum is also the focal point of an annual moussem (a type of Sufi religious festival). Unlike Mawlid, the festival here was brutal in nature, and it was historically known for its displays of self-mutilation. The religious rituals in the festival are intertwined with musical and joyful celebrations that are sometimes violent, including rolling around and drinking blood of animal sacrifices.[6]
The mausoleum became known for its presence of homosexuals, and the government tried to suppress the rising of homosexual rituals within the building.[7] These homosexuals claimed to have been the descendants of Aisha, another local patron saint of Meknes.