Islamic Reform in Twentieth-Century Africa

This book examines the patterns and peculiarities of different traditions of Islamic reform in modern sub-Saharan Africa, considering both Sufi- and Salafi-oriented movements in their respective historical contexts. It studies the social, religious, and political impact of these reform movements and asks why some have become successful as popular mass movements while others failed. It also considers jihad-minded movements and looks at modes of transnational entanglement. The book responds to the question of what reform means for Muslims in contemporary Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of Muslim movements of reform in modern sub-Saharan Africa, based on twelve case studies covering Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and the Comoros. It explores patterns and peculiarities of different traditions of Islamic reform, considering both Sufi- and Salafi-oriented movements in their respective historical contexts. The book emphasizes the importance of the local context in explaining the diverse trajectories of development. It examines the social, religious, and political impact of these reform movements in both historical and contemporary times, asking why some have become successful as popular mass movements while others failed to attract substantial audiences. Additionally, the book explores jihad-minded movements in contemporary Mali, northern Nigeria, and Somalia and investigates modes of transnational entanglement of movements of reform.

Against the backdrop of a general inquiry into what constitutes reform, the text responds to the question of what reform actually means for Muslims in contemporary Africa. Key features include biographies of reformist scholars that complement the text, case studies placed in the context of the dynamics of reform in the larger world of Islam, addressing the importance of trans-national entanglements and their formative power, and focusing on the dynamics of social and religious development, the political dynamics of Islamic reform, and issues of youth,generational change, and gender.

This book provides valuable insights into the complex and diverse landscape of Islamic reform in modern sub-Saharan Africa, shedding light on the factors that contribute to its success and challenges, and offering a deeper understanding of the role of religion in shaping social and political dynamics in the region.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474432191