The Walking Qur'an: Islamic Education, Embodied Knowledge, and History in West Africa (Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks)
$33.88
Description
Book Synopsis: Spanning a thousand years of history--and bringing the story to the present through ethnographic fieldwork in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania--Rudolph Ware documents the profound significance of Qur'an schools for West African Muslim communities. Such schools peacefully brought Islam to much of the region, becoming striking symbols of Muslim identity. Ware shows how in Senegambia the schools became powerful channels for African resistance during the eras of the slave trade and colonization. While illuminating the past, Ware also makes signal contributions to understanding contemporary Islam by demonstrating how the schools' epistemology of embodiment gives expression to classical Islamic frameworks of learning and knowledge.
Today, many Muslims and non-Muslims find West African methods of Qur'an schooling puzzling and controversial. In fascinating detail, Ware introduces these practices from the viewpoint of the practitioners, explicating their emphasis on educating the whole human being as if to remake it as a living replica of the Qur'an. From this perspective, the transference of knowledge in core texts and rituals is literally embodied in people, helping shape them--like the Prophet of Islam--into vital bearers of the word of God.
Details
Discover the captivating world of West African Islamic education with "The Walking Qur'an: Islamic Education, Embodied Knowledge, and History in West Africa." This extraordinary book by Rudolph Ware takes you on a journey spanning a thousand years of history, shining a light on the profound significance of Qur'an schools for Muslim communities in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania.
Uncover the peaceful spread of Islam through these schools, which became powerful symbols of Muslim identity. Ware's extensive ethnographic fieldwork brings the story to life, revealing how these schools acted as channels of African resistance during the slave trade and colonization eras. By understanding the past, we gain valuable insights into contemporary Islam.
The unique epistemology of embodiment in West African Qur'an schools is a key focus in this groundbreaking work. Ware explores how the schools' emphasis on educating the whole human being echoes classical Islamic frameworks of learning and knowledge. The transference of knowledge in core texts and rituals is truly embodied in individuals, shaping them into living replicas of the Qur'an.
While the practices of West African Qur'an schooling can be puzzling and controversial to some, "The Walking Qur'an" provides an enlightening perspective from the viewpoint of the practitioners themselves. Gain a deep understanding of their approach, as they strive to mold the human spirit into vibrant bearers of the word of God, mirroring the Prophet of Islam.
To embark on this illuminating journey into the rich traditions of West African Islamic education, click here.
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