Islam, Ulamaa and Community Development in Tanzania

Book Description

This comprehensive study offers a profound exploration of how Islamic communities navigate the intersection of faith, tradition, and modern challenges in East Africa. Through meticulous research spanning centuries of history, Abdin N. Chande presents an intimate portrait of Muslim life in Tanga, Tanzania, revealing how spiritual communities adapt and evolve while maintaining their core identity.

Drawing from colonial records, manuscript collections, and extensive fieldwork, the author illuminates the complex dynamics within Islamic leadership and community organization. The work examines how religious factionalism has shaped educational opportunities and community development, providing valuable insights into the broader struggles facing Muslim populations in contemporary Tanzania.

Readers will discover how historical forces have influenced present-day spiritual and social realities, as Chande traces the evolution of Islamic practice from its coastal origins through modern times. The study reveals the ongoing tension between preserving religious heritage and embracing educational advancement, offering a nuanced understanding of how faith communities respond to societal transformation.

This scholarly yet accessible work provides essential context for understanding Islamic identity in East Africa, making it valuable for anyone seeking to comprehend the relationship between spiritual tradition and community progress. The detailed documentation of religious competition and organizational challenges offers practical lessons about unity, leadership, and collective growth within faith-based communities.

Through careful analysis of local and national contexts, this study demonstrates how spiritual communities can learn from both their struggles and successes in pursuing meaningful development.