1. Life
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's life was marked by dedicated scholarship and the establishment of a significant religious center, laying the groundwork for his profound influence on the Almoravid movement.
1.1. Early Life and Education
A native of the Sous region in Morocco, Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti pursued his early education by traveling to Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest universities in the world. There, he undertook rigorous studies under the tutelage of the renowned scholar Abu Imran al-Fasi, a key figure in the Maliki school of Islamic law.
1.2. Founding of Ribat and Early Teaching
Following his education, Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti returned to the Sous region. He established a religious center, known as a Ribat, in the village of Aglu, located near present-day Tiznit. This center, named Ribat al-Murabitin, became a focal point for religious learning and spiritual development. At the Ribat, he gathered numerous disciples and dedicated himself to teaching the principles and doctrines of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence.
2. Role in the Almoravid Movement
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's contributions were central to the formation and expansion of the Almoravid Dynasty, primarily through his profound influence on its founder, Abdallah ibn Yasin, and his strategic religious and political guidance.
2.1. Relationship with Abdallah ibn Yasin
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's pivotal role in the Almoravid movement began when he received a letter from his former teacher, Abu Imran al-Fasi. The letter sought his assistance in teaching religious principles to the southern Sanhaja Saharan tribes. In response, Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti carefully selected Abdallah ibn Yasin to accompany the Gudala leader Yahya ibn Ibrahim to the Sahara. From this point forward, Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti became the spiritual guide and mentor to Abdallah ibn Yasin, who would later emerge as the first leader of the Almoravid movement.
2.2. Religious Leadership and Political Influence
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's religious authority and spiritual guidance profoundly influenced the political and military trajectory of the Almoravid movement. According to various historical chronicles, including those by al-Bakri, Ibn Abi Zar, and Qadi Ayyad, he is credited with advising Abdallah ibn Yasin to confront and fight those who disobeyed his religious authority. This counsel marked a crucial turning point, transforming the Almoravid religious movement into a more assertive, militarily ambitious force. He further commanded Abdallah ibn Yasin to advance north and capture Sijilmasa, a significant act that underscored the movement's burgeoning political and territorial ambitions. His enduring influence was further demonstrated after Abdallah Ibn Yasin's death, when it was reported that only Waggag Ibn Zallu's disciples were deemed eligible to assume authoritative religious leadership roles within the Almoravid state.
3. Death and Burial
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti is believed to have died in the 11th century. His exact birth and death dates remain unknown, but his passing is estimated to have occurred around the same period in Aglu, the village near Tiznit, Morocco, where he had established his Ribat. He was buried at the Dar al-Murabitin Ribat in Aglu. Over time, his grave transformed into a revered shrine, becoming widely known as "Sidi Waggag," attracting veneration from followers.
4. Legacy and Influence
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's legacy continued through his devoted disciples and the enduring veneration of his burial site, solidifying his impact on both religious and historical narratives within the region.
4.1. Disciples and Succession
The teachings and influence of Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti were perpetuated through his dedicated disciples. Among them were the brothers Sulayman ibn Addu and Abu al-Qacem ibn Addu. These brothers became prominent figures who succeeded Ibn Yasin as the religious leaders of the Almoravid Dynasty, ensuring the continuity of Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's spiritual and doctrinal guidance within the burgeoning state.
4.2. Posthumous Veneration and Shrine
Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti's burial place in Aglu became a significant site of pilgrimage and veneration, known as the shrine of "Sidi Waggag." His continued importance in regional religious thought is further attested by the writing of his hagiography, a biographical account of his life and virtues, by the scholar Ibn al-Zayyat al-Tadili.
5. Transliteration of Name
The name Waggag Ibn Zallu al-Lamti is subject to various transliterations into English, such as Wajjaj Ibn Zelu or Wajaj Ibn Zelwa. This variation primarily stems from the absence of a direct equivalent in the standard Arabic alphabet for the hard 'G' sound, as heard in the English word 'go'. Consequently, the sound has been approximated in Arabic texts and subsequent transliterations using letters like جArabic (jim, typically pronounced like 'j' in 'jug') or كArabic (kaf, pronounced like 'k' in 'kit'). Additionally, the 'u' vowel sound present in some transliterations is represented by the Arabic letter وArabic (waw), which can function as either a 'u' vowel or a 'w' consonant sound, further contributing to the diversity in how the name is written.