How African ulema secured their status.

What is it about?

In the seventeenth century a theological text that had already long been used to spread Islam in West Africa, was translated from Fulfulde to (classical) Arabic. But very few people read or understood Arabic. In fact, the translation was made so that the formerly oral text could now be written down, and could be claimed as 'belonging' to the ulema, the highly literate specialists is Islam.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Based on manuscript sources, the article sheds light on the articulation of an Islamic culture in Africa in a period that was crucial in its history, and about which very little is known sofar.