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The Jibba
The Jibba is considered a Mahdist/Sufi symbol of asceticism, simplicity, and contempt for worldly life. The symbolism of the Jibba was that it was an attempt to encourage national unity among supporters of the Mahdi. The patches symbolized the status and position of the wearer. At the beginning of Al Khalifa Abdullah's reign, some people began to decorate their patches. During the last years of the Mahdia state, the patched Jibba was transformed into a very elegant outfit using English and Egyptian fabrics. Its manufacture required highly professional skills, as the appliques began to be sewn on the fabric of the jubbah with much artistic interest, balance, and symmetry.
The Jibba was not the only distinctive garment worn by the Ansar, as the Ansar also wore the "Jalabia Janah Um Jako" It is a Jalabiya designed to be worn both ways when in a hurry, and a practical design that helps to ride horses quickly.
It is also designed to take into consideration the desert weather, and it is an economical garment that can be worn on both sides so it won't wear out easily from frequent sittings in the circle of dhikr.
Tagiya Um Gerainat
Tagiya Um Gerainat appeared in Christian kingdoms and then in the Islamic Funj state in Sennar (1504-1820). Originally worn by kings, it later became a symbol of prestige and distinction. As the Sultanate disintegrated, it was used in Sufi rituals until the Mahdia period. It was also used in the Sennari ceremony in which the student was promoted to a Shaikh. Sufis continue to wear it to this day in these rituals in the Dhikr circles. During the Mahdist state, it was worn by the Amirs and members of Al Khalifa Abdullah's guard, known as the Mishmaratiya.
The white turban
The men wore a white turban with the Jibba, with an edge that descended to the shoulder and is called the "Azabah". Underneath it was the conical "Tarator" hat that distinguished the Ansar, or a straw hat.
Cover picture: Jibba in Khalifa house collection © Noory Taha, Added by Isaac Allison, March 18, 2023, Reproduced with permission from British Council. Photo by Noory Taha.
The Jibba
The Jibba is considered a Mahdist/Sufi symbol of asceticism, simplicity, and contempt for worldly life. The symbolism of the Jibba was that it was an attempt to encourage national unity among supporters of the Mahdi. The patches symbolized the status and position of the wearer. At the beginning of Al Khalifa Abdullah's reign, some people began to decorate their patches. During the last years of the Mahdia state, the patched Jibba was transformed into a very elegant outfit using English and Egyptian fabrics. Its manufacture required highly professional skills, as the appliques began to be sewn on the fabric of the jubbah with much artistic interest, balance, and symmetry.
The Jibba was not the only distinctive garment worn by the Ansar, as the Ansar also wore the "Jalabia Janah Um Jako" It is a Jalabiya designed to be worn both ways when in a hurry, and a practical design that helps to ride horses quickly.
It is also designed to take into consideration the desert weather, and it is an economical garment that can be worn on both sides so it won't wear out easily from frequent sittings in the circle of dhikr.
Tagiya Um Gerainat
Tagiya Um Gerainat appeared in Christian kingdoms and then in the Islamic Funj state in Sennar (1504-1820). Originally worn by kings, it later became a symbol of prestige and distinction. As the Sultanate disintegrated, it was used in Sufi rituals until the Mahdia period. It was also used in the Sennari ceremony in which the student was promoted to a Shaikh. Sufis continue to wear it to this day in these rituals in the Dhikr circles. During the Mahdist state, it was worn by the Amirs and members of Al Khalifa Abdullah's guard, known as the Mishmaratiya.
The white turban
The men wore a white turban with the Jibba, with an edge that descended to the shoulder and is called the "Azabah". Underneath it was the conical "Tarator" hat that distinguished the Ansar, or a straw hat.
Cover picture: Jibba in Khalifa house collection © Noory Taha, Added by Isaac Allison, March 18, 2023, Reproduced with permission from British Council. Photo by Noory Taha.
