Publisher Description

This book examines a series of processes (Islamization, Arabization, Africanization) and case studies from the Muslim societies of Africa over the last thousand years. In contrast to traditions suggesting that Islam did not take root in Africa, David Robinson depicts the complex struggles of Muslims throughout the continent: in Morocco and the Hausaland region of Nigeria; the "pagan" societies of Ashanti (Ghana) and Buganda (Uganda); and the ostensibly Christian state of Ethiopia. "Further reading" sections suggest how undergraduate readers can pursue research, and illustrations and maps supplement the text.

Author Biography

David Robinson and Mary Ann DiSpirito have carefully selected over 200 images, most of which are previously unpublished, that illustrate the many changes that Burlington has endured since the 1860s. Included in Burlington Volume II are images of the city that date prior to the 1860s, when our ancestors depended on sketches and engravings to preserve memories. DiSpirito is the author of several short stories and numerous magazine articles in regional and national publications, while Robinson has
written several books and many magazine articles. The combination of fascinating images and info

Table of Contents

Part I. Introduction: the Foundations: 1. Muhammad and the birth of Islam; 2. The basic institutions of the faith; Part II. Explorations in the Islamic Identities of Africa: 3. The Islamization of Africa; 4. The Africanization of Islam; 5. Muslim identity and the Slave Trades; 6. Western views of Africa and Islam; Part III. Extended Case Studies: Muslim Societies in Old Nation-States of Africa: 7. Morocco: Muslims in a Muslim nation; 8. Ethiopia Muslims in a Christian nation; Part IV. Muslim Societies in Pre-Colonial Africa: 9. Asante and Kumasi: a Muslim minority in a sea of Paganism; 10. Sokoto and Hausaland: Jihad within the Dar al-Islam; Part V. Muslim Societies in Colonial Africa: 11. Buganda: religious competition for the Kingdom; 12. The Mahdi and competing imperialisms; 13. The Muridiyya: a Sufi Brotherhood under French Colonial rule; Conclusion.

Review

'At a time when popular interest in global Islamic studies is growing, this book's arrival is welcome, particularly given its suitability as an undergraduate textbook. ... the book can function as a core text for a semester-long survey. It uses easy language, assumes no prior knowledge of Islamic history, and provides recommendations for further reading at the end of each chapter, as well as a glossary of terms at the back of the book. ... the book has much to offer scholarly audiences, too, because of the author's wide erudition and his ability to set the development of African Islam against the broad sweep of global Islamic history. As a lucid and concise overview of major trends in African Islamic history, Muslim Societies in Africa will make an ideal undergraduate textbook as well as a useful reference for historians.' Heather J. Sharkey, University of Pannsylvania 'Muslim Societies in African History should do well in the textbooks market. It deserves to be read beyond that market.' African Research and Documentation '... remarkable book clearly emerged in dialogue ... With its combination of general chapters, regional case studies and bibliographical information, the book is highly recommendable as an introduction for non-specialist readers.' Achim von Oppen, University of Berlin 'David Robinson's excellent new textbook Muslim societies in African history documents the interplay between Islamic thought and African political imagination on a wider scale.' Historical Journal

Review Quote

"Undoubtedly, the importance of this publication goes beyond its uniqueness as the first undergraduate textbook to cover the historical spread and appropriation of Islam in Africa in such a comprehensive manner....The greatest strength of Robinson's case studies lies in the questions they raise, questions that are still acutely relevant to Muslim communities today and are at the center of global debates about Islam, both inside and outside Muslim communities."-Rahma Bavelaar, IslamOnline.net

Promotional "Headline"

This book examines the processes of Islamization, Arabization, and Africanization in the Muslim societies of Africa.

Description for Bookstore

Examining a series of processes (Islamization, Arabization, Africanization) and case studies from Africa, this book gives snapshots of Muslim societies over the last millennium. Concluding with chapters on the Mahdi and Khalifa of the Sudan, the Murid Sufi movement, and reflections in the wake of September 11, 2001.

Description for Library

Examining a series of processes (Islamization, Arabization, Africanization) and case studies from Africa, this book gives snapshots of Muslim societies over the last millennium. Concluding with chapters on the Mahdi and Khalifa of the Sudan, the Murid Sufi movement, and reflections in the wake of September 11, 2001.

Details