EAP334/4/1

The manuscript is the original handwritten by Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Based on the interview with the owner, the poem was written between 1902 and 1954. Red, purple, and black ink are used in the manuscripts. The red ink is used to highlight key words. There a few parts in Arabic, especially in prayers. This manuscript contains numerous Wolof Ajami poems (Wolofal) written by Serigne Mbaye Diakhate dealing with religious and secular issues, including discussions on peace, advice for social peace, praises of his spiritual guide (Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba), discussions on the importance of work, the negative consequences of laziness, the importance of knowledge, faith, and Bamba's work for himself and for humanity in general. The manuscript also includes devotional, satirical, polemical, and praise poetry, discussions on various social and cultural issues and challenges of his time, prayers for the fulfilment of his wishes, the relationship between a Murid disciple and his spiritual guide, and discussions on the code of conduct of ideal Murid disciples to be emulated in order to deserve Bamba's blessings and assistance. The manuscript provides insights into the belief system, the education system, the world view, values, and the challenges and hopes of followers of Muridiyya.

Physical characteristics of original material: Due to the age of the documents, some pages are hard to read, and the ink has faded away in some. Some lines are erased.

1 unbound paper manuscript of 160 pages. Date of orginal: c 1902-1954

Author: Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Scribe: Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Language: Wolof (with some Arabic in religious quotations, prayers, and in the openings and endings of poems). Script of material: Wolof Ajami (Wolofal)