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ISLAMIC AND CASTE KNOWLEDGE PRACTICES AMONG HAALPULAAR'EN IN SENEGAL: BETWEEN MOSQUE AND TERMITE MOUND

By R.M DILLEY

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the complex intersection of Islamic faith and traditional caste systems among the Haalpulaar'en people of Senegal's river valley. Through a unique blend of historical analysis and ethnographic research, the work examines how communities have navigated the tension between Islam's universal message of equality and deeply rooted social hierarchies that have shaped their society for generations.

The study traces the profound impact of an 18th-century Islamic uprising that transformed the region's power structures, placing religious clerics in positions of authority and fundamentally altering relationships between different social groups. Rather than focusing solely on religious leaders, this investigation gives voice to marginalized artisans, poets, and musicians, revealing how these communities understood their place within an Islamic framework that had become central to social status and prestige.

The author examines the distinct knowledge traditions maintained by both Islamic clerics and specialized craft groups, demonstrating how these different forms of understanding contribute to social and cultural identity. This approach offers fresh insights into how religious identity develops within complex social environments where spiritual ideals must coexist with established cultural practices.

Drawing from historical documents and contemporary fieldwork, this work provides valuable perspectives on how communities adapt universal spiritual teachings to local contexts while preserving their cultural distinctiveness. The result is a nuanced portrait of faith, tradition, and social transformation in West African society.