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La VIE INTELLECTUELLE ISLAMIQUE DANS LE SAHEL OUEST-AFRICAIN (XVIE-XIXE SIÈCLES) - Une étude sociale de l’enseignement islamique en Mauritanie et au Nord du Mali (XVe-XIXe siècles) et traduction annotée de Fath ash-shakur d’al-Bartili al-Walati (mort en 1

By Chouki El Hamel

Book Description

This scholarly work opens a window into the rich spiritual and intellectual traditions that flourished across West Africa's Sahel region from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. Through careful examination of Islamic educational practices in Mauritania and northern Mali, author Chouki El Hamel reveals how knowledge was transmitted and preserved in these dynamic societies.

At the heart of this study lies the annotated translation of "Fath ash-shakur," a remarkable collection of biographical portraits compiled by al-Bartili al-Walati. These accounts illuminate the lives of scholars, jurists, and teachers who shaped the spiritual landscape of their communities across three centuries. Rather than simply cataloging historical facts, this work brings readers into the lived experiences of these intellectual figures, showing how they navigated their roles as educators and spiritual guides.

The book explores the cultural fabric of West African Sahel societies, examining their customs, ethnic diversity, and the vibrant intellectual activities that defined their spiritual communities. By placing these biographical accounts within their broader social and political contexts, El Hamel demonstrates how Islamic learning adapted to local conditions while maintaining its essential character.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions develop and sustain themselves across generations, this work offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of religious education and the dedication of those who preserved sacred knowledge in challenging circumstances.