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ISL471Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Contribution Of West African Scholars To Islamic Thought

This course explores the contributions of West African scholars to Islamic thought. It examines the spread of Islam in West Africa, highlighting the roles of itinerant preachers and scholars. Key figures such as 'Uthman dan Fodio, Muhammad Amin El-Kānemi, al-Hājj 'Umar al-Fūti, and Adam Abdullah al-Ilūri are studied. The course also covers Islamic scholarship during colonial rule and after political independence, providing a comprehensive overview of Islamic intellectual history in the region.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Islamic thoughtWest AfricaScholarsHistoryCulture

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Emergence of Islam in West Africa

2

Composition of Islamic thought

3

Contributions of 'Uthman bn Muhammad Fudi

4

Role of Muhammad al-Amin bn Muhammad Nimka al-Kanemi

5

Influence of Al-Hajj 'Umar al-Fūti

6

Islamic scholarship under colonial rule

7

Islamic scholarship after political independence

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

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Religious scholars

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Historians

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Cultural analysts

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Teachers

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Researchers

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationReligious institutionsCultural organizationsResearch institutesGovernment agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module I: Islam in West Africa

2h

Unit 1: The Emergence of Islam in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the initial spread of Islam to Africa and West Africa.
  • •Describe the initial spread of Islam to West Africa.
  • •Identify ancient West African countries where Islam was established.
Week
2

Module I: Islam in West Africa

2h

Unit 2: Composition of Islamic thought.

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Discuss the components of Islamic thought.
  • •Explain the beginning and reasons for Islamic thought in West Africa.
  • •Discuss why thinking should align with Islamic guides.
Week
3

Module I: Islam in West Africa

2h

Unit 3: Emergence of Islam in ancient Ghana, Mali and Songhai

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Discuss the emergence of Islam in Medieval Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
  • •Describe the impact of Islamic thought in Ghana and Mali.
  • •Identify Malian rulers who contributed to the growth of Islam.
Week
4

Module I: Islam in West Africa

2h

Unit 4: Emergence of Islam in Nigeria.

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Explain the initial spread of Islam to Nigeria.
  • •Describe the spread of Islam to Northern, Southwestern, and Southeastern Nigeria.
  • •Highlight ancient towns where Islam was established before colonial rule.
Week
5

Module I: Islam in West Africa

2h

Unit 5: Factors contributing to the growth of Islam and Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Discuss major factors contributing to the growth of Islam and its thought in West Africa.
  • •Highlight factors aiding the spread and growth of Islam.
  • •Analyze the role of commercial activities and the struggle against syncretism.
Week
6

Module II: Selected West African Arabic/Islamic Scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa

2h

Unit 1: ''Uthman bn Muhammad Fudi and his contribution to Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Discuss the biography of Shaykh ''Uthman bin Muhammad Fudi.
  • •Outline his contributions to Islam and Islamic thought.
  • •List key works written by Shaykh ''Uthman bn Fudi.
Week
7

Module II: Selected West African Arabic/Islamic Scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa

2h

Unit 2: Muhammad al-Amin bn Muhammad Nimka al-Kanemi's contribution to Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Discuss the life of Muhammad al-Amin bin Muhammad Nimka al-Kanemi.
  • •Explain how he acquired military power.
  • •Highlight his contributions to Islamic thought.
Week
8

Module II: Selected West African Arabic/Islamic Scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa

2h

Unit 3: Al-Hajj 'Umar al-Fūti and his contribution to Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: Discuss the life of Al-Hajj 'Umar al-Fūti.
  • •Explain his contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa.
  • •Analyze his role in the Tijaniyyah Sufi order.
Week
9

Module II: Selected West African Arabic/Islamic Scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa

2h

Unit 4: Abdullah bn Fudi and his contribution to Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Discuss the life of Abdullah bin Fudi.
  • •Outline his contributions to Islam and Islamic thought.
  • •Appraise the contents and features of Tazyin al-Waraqat.
Week
10

Module II: Selected West African Arabic/Islamic Scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa

2h

Unit 5: Ibrahim Niass and his contribution to Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 5: Write the biography of Shaykh Ibrahim Niass.
  • •Outline his contributions to Islam and Sufi scholarship.
  • •Discuss his contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa.
Week
11

Module II: Selected West African Arabic/Islamic Scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa

2h

Unit 6: Adam Al-Iluriy and his contribution to Islamic thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 6: Give an account of Shaykh Adam Abdullah Al-Iluri.
  • •Discuss his contributions to Arabic/Islamic thought in West Africa.
  • •Assess one of his Arabic literary works on Islam.
Week
12

Module iii: Contributions of itinerant preachers/ scholars to islamic scholarship in West Africa under the colonial rule and after political independence

2h

Unit 1: Al-Maghīlī and Ahmad Baba and their contributions to Islamic Thought in West Africa.

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Discuss the lives of Al-Maghīlī and Ahmad Baba.
  • •Outline their contributions to Islamic thought in West Africa.
  • •Describe the content of one of their Arabic literary works on Islam.
Week
13

Module iii: Contributions of itinerant preachers/ scholars to islamic scholarship in West Africa under the colonial rule and after political independence

4h

Unit 2: Islamic Scholarship in West Africa under the Colonial Rule

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Discuss Islamic scholarship in West Africa under colonial rule.
  • •Explain the state of Islamic scholarship before colonialists.
  • •Identify forms of Islamic education during colonial rule.

Unit 3: Islamic Scholarship in West Africa after Political Independence

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: Discuss Islamic scholarship in West Africa after political independence.
  • •Explain the forms of Islamic education at the time of independence.
  • •Identify Arabic & Islamic schools in Southwestern Nigeria.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key scholars and their contributions to understand the historical context.

2

Develop concept maps linking different schools of thought and their influence on West African Islam.

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting the works of different scholars.

4

Focus on understanding the impact of colonialism on Islamic education and scholarship.

5

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises to identify areas of weakness.

6

Study the biographies and key works of prominent scholars like Uthman dan Fodio, Al-Maghili, and Ahmad Baba.

7

Understand the historical context of Islamic scholarship in pre-colonial West Africa, including the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

8

Create flashcards with key terms and concepts related to Islamic thought and West African history.

9

Practice summarizing the main points of each unit to improve retention and understanding.

10

Allocate specific study hours each week to ensure consistent progress and avoid last-minute cramming.

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