Sufism and the 19th Century Reform Movement in West Africa

This book examines the nature and development of al-Hajj 'Umar's reform movement in the Western Sudan (1830-1864). It discusses the outburst of the militant reform movement during the 19th century in the area, which has attracted scholarly attention in African studies. The movement is traced from its peaceful religious beginnings to its final militant conclusion. The book describes three types of reform or resistance against Western colonial domination in Western Sudan: militant, confrontational but soft, and highly intellectual but reconciliatory, all of which are connected to al-Hajj 'Umar's Sufi orientation. It explores his role in initiating and conducting the reform, along with the socio-economic circumstances that influenced the movement. The purpose is to provide a balanced perspective on al-Hajj 'Umar's reform style, analyzing his writings and actions alongside those of his contemporaries to establish the connection between his Sufi beliefs and the subsequent militant reforms.