Architectural Description
[Picture source: © 2007 Stefan Weber] [Picture source: © 2007 Stefan Weber] Layout Plan
We enter the zawiya from the small alley into a courtyard where the tombs of the shaykhs were situated until recently. We were then looking at the tomb of Ibrahim al-Hilali ‘ash-shaykh al-kabir’, in front of which people – after attending the dhikr – would recite the fatiha (the first sura of the Qurʾan). (Fig. 2) Behind the tombs, we approach the entrance of the square prayer hall, covered by a central dome, the gem of the zawiya. Small two-storey wooden cells are placed on three sides of the hall (Fig. 3, 4).
The upper floors of these cells are accessible using small wooden stairs. These cells served as a retreat for the disciples of the order during the yearly khalwa(forty-day retreat). The mihrab (prayer niche) has been integrated into this wooden structure. To the west of the prayer hall is a vaulted room (called hijaziyya, an additional room for prayer), above which is another room used as a library. To the east of the courtyard is a reception room (qaʿa), below which is the ablution facility [7].
Figure 2: Layout plan, ground floor.
[Picture source: © Lamia al-Jasser (Reproductions)] 
Figure 3: Interior of the prayer hall with wooden cells and mihrab.
[Picture source: © 2003 Jean-Claude David] 
Figure 4: Interior of the prayer hall, pendent with banner of the Qadiriyya [Picture source: © 1987 Jean-Claude David] Footnotes
[7] For a detailed description with plans, see: Jasir, Dur, 469-477.
