**Who Was Sidi Hrazem?
The Spiritual Legacy Behind Fez’s Famous Thermal Spring** By Hamid Mernissi, President of Sarah Tours – Cultural Heritage Series Visitors traveling to Fez, Morocco, often hear the name Sidi Hrazem, a place renowned for its natural thermal spring, blessed water, and centuries-old tradition of healing. But behind the name lies a remarkable history: the story of Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem, one of Fez’s most respected Sufi scholars, and his son Sidi Mohammed Ben ‘Ali Ben Hrazem, the saint whose shrine stands near the spring.
This essay brings you into the heart of Morocco’s spiritual heritage through the life of this extraordinary lineage.
Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem: A Scholar, a Sufi, and a Master of His Age Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem, also known affectionately as Sidi Hraem, was born in Fez at the end of the 11th century, during a vibrant period of Islamic learning. He quickly became known as both a jurisprudence scholar (faqih) and a Sufi master, guiding students who would influence the entire Maghreb. His Famous Students Among his disciples were: • Sidi Boumediene (Abu Madyan Shu’ayb) of Tlemcen, later recognized as the spiritual pole (al-qutb) of North Africa. • Sidi Mohammed al-Maghri of Safi, organizer of the great Hajj caravans departing Morocco toward Mecca. Through these students, the teachings of Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem spread widely across Morocco, Algeria, and West Africa.
The Controversy of Al-Ghazali — and His Transformative Vision During the Almoravid Dynasty, scholars debated the writings of Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, one of the greatest thinkers in Islamic history. At first, Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem sided with the Almoravid jurists who viewed some of Al-Ghazali’s mystical writings with suspicion. But according to the famous Sufi historian Ibn Zayyat al-Tadili, the scholar later had a vision in his sleep. In this dream, he received divine assurance that Al-Ghazali’s works were entirely in harmony with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This spiritual experience completely transformed his stance, adding a profound layer of humility and wisdom to his legacy. This moment is still celebrated in Moroccan oral tradition as an example of sincerity and the scholar’s readiness to correct himself through spiritual insight.
A Contemporary of Morocco’s Most Beloved Saints Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem lived during a golden age of Moroccan sainthood and was a contemporary of: • Sidi Bennour • Moulay Bouchaib Erredad • Moulay Abdellah Amghar These figures shaped the country's spiritual life during the late Almoravid and early Almohad periods. Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem passed away in 560 AH (1165 CE), at the dawn of the Almohad Dynasty. His life bridged two intellectual eras in Moroccan history.
The Legacy of His Son: Sidi Mohammed Ben ‘Ali Ben Hrazem While Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem is remembered for his scholarship and Sufi guidance, his son Sidi Mohammed Ben Hrazem became one of the most beloved saints in the region. His mausoleum stands at the thermal spring of Ain Sidi Hrazem, a few kilometers east of Fez. Why the Thermal Spring Is Famous For centuries, Moroccans have believed that the warm, mineral-rich waters: • soothe kidney and urinary disorders • improve digestion • promote overall wellness • provide spiritual and emotional relief Pilgrims travel from different regions of Morocco to bathe in the water, drink from the spring, or visit the saint's shrine for blessings (baraka). This blend of natural healing and spiritual heritage makes Sidi Hrazem both a wellness destination and a cultural landmark — a place where Moroccan tradition meets natural therapy.
Sidi Hrazem in Moroccan Travel and Culture For travelers visiting Fez, the village of Sidi Hrazem offers: • A peaceful escape from the bustling Medina • A chance to see Morocco’s living spiritual traditions • A visit to one of the country’s most iconic natural springs • Insight into Sufi culture and Moroccan saints • A meaningful stop on a heritage-oriented itinerary Sarah Tours often includes Sidi Hrazem in cultural itineraries, pilgrimage-themed tours, or wellness-focused programs.
Why Sidi Hrazem Matters Today Sidi Hrazem is more than a thermal spring. It is a symbol of Morocco’s spiritual continuity, a reminder of Fez’s long-standing role as a center of learning, Sufi devotion, and healing traditions. The story of Sidi ‘Ali Ben Hrazem and his son captures the essence of Moroccan identity, a blend of scholarship, spirituality, humility, and community. By visiting this sacred site, travelers not only enjoy its natural gifts but also touch the depths of Moroccan history.
Plan Your Cultural Journey with Sarah Tours Whether you’re interested in history, spirituality, wellness, or simply discovering the hidden jewels of Morocco, our team at Sarah Tours will be honored to guide you. Feel free to request a tailor-made itinerary that includes: • Fez Medina • Sidi Hrazem Thermal Springs • Sacred Valley of Moulay Idriss • Sufi lodges and zawiyas • Historical Islamic sites in Morocco Your journey into Moroccan heritage begins here.
