Peace is Everything: the World View of Muslims and Traditionalists in the Senegambia (Publications in Ethnography, Vol. 28)

The World View of Muslim and Traditionalist in the Senegambia subregion are studied. A world-view approach is followed, based on an eight-level model that is developed in the book. The result is a comprehensive view of the religious practices being followed and a broad understanding of the integrated conceptual system on which they are based. The belief systems of most Muslim societies are expressed through a complex mixture of orthodox and nonorthodox practices. Studies of these systems have usually focused on either orthodox or mystical Islam or on folk beliefs and practices and have not attempted to look at the complete range of beliefs and practices present in one society, as does this volume.

Senegambia world view focuses on transcendent peace which is seen to be the pervasive, dominant theme of the culture. It is experienced by individuals when they and society are in balance with cosmic beings and forces, with social units, and with nature.

The author, David E. Maranz, received his Ph. D. in Islamic studies in 1991 and has concentrated on the study of Muslim cultures of sub-Saharan Africa since 1975.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments

1.1 Statement of the Problem
1.2 Purpose and Hypothesis of the Study
1.3 Methodology

2.1 The Senegambia and Its Peoples
2.2 The Study of Islam
2.3 A Selective Review of World View Study
2.4 An Eight-level Model of World View

3.1 Theme 1: Alliances Needed
3.2 Theme 2: Peace is a Consequence of Harmony
3.3 Theme 3: Harmony with Established Laws
3.4 Theme 4: Spiritual and Material Blessing
3.5 Theme 5: Laws of Cosmic Balance

4.1 Introduction to Peace, Happiness, and Success
4.2 Peace through Assertion versus Peace through Submission
4.3 Description of Peace, Happiness, and Success
4.4 Explanation, Prescription, and Control of Destiny
4.5 Theme 1: Understanding and Controlling Events of Life
5.6 Theme 2: Knowledge of Future Destiny
5.7 Theme 3: Protection through Esoteric Power
4.8 Recapitulation of Explanation, Prescription, and Control

5.1 World View in Real Life
5.2 Pilgrimage in Sufi Islam
5.3 Pilgrimage in the Senegambia
5.4 Amadou Bamba, the Saint
5.5 The Magal, or Pilgrimage
5.6 The Magal and Senegambian World View
5.7 Conclusion

Appendix 1: Pronunciation Guide for Wolof
Appendix 2: Glossary of Senegambian Words
Appendix 3: Senegambian World View Propositions
Appendix 4: Resumé of Senegambian World View
Appendix 5: Ontological Absolutes
Appendix 6: Selected Senegambian Taboo

References
Index