First published in 1979, this first of three volumes examines the many means and figures through which Islam was cultivated in West Africa over a prolonged period. It combines the work from eminent scholars in the field, most of which have travelled widely in the historic region of Western Sudan.

This book will be of interest to those studying Islamic and West African history.

Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction: Reflections on the Diffusion of Islam in West Africa; 1. The Evolution of Religious Brotherhoods in North and Northwestern Africa 1523-1900 R. G. Jenkins 2. ‘Abd Allah b. Yasin and the Almoravids Nehemia Levtzion 3. The Kunta, Sidi al-Mukhtar al-Kunti and the Office of Shaykh al-Tariq al-Qadiryya A. A. Batran 4. Muslim Sanhaja Scholars of Mauritania H. T. Norris 5. Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanimi and Religion and Politics in Bornu Louis Brenner 6. The Writings of Al-Hajj Umar al-Futi and Shaykh Mukhtar b. Wadiat Allah: Literary Themes, Sources, and Influences John Ralph Willis 7. The Early Period of Mahmadu Lamin’s Activities Ivan Hrbek 8. Maba Diakhouand the Gambian Jihad, 1850-1890 Charlotte Alison Quinn 9. Samori and Islam Yves Person 10. Ahmad Bamba 1850-1927 Lucy E. Creevey (née Behrman); Glossaries; Index of Arabic Words and Terms; General Index