The History of the Literature of African Islamic Peoples - 27 -Issue 24 September 2024 It is stated in the book of Al-Hasan al-Wazzan, published in 1510 AD, that Askia the Great, ruler of the Songhai Empire, was a patron of literature. In Timbuktu, there were judges, scholars, and religious men who received stipends from the king and were highly respected by him. He also sent delegations to North Africa to bring books. However, literature in Mali at that time was mostly oral.

Among those who visited Songhai during the reign of Askia Muhammad was Sheikh Muhammad bin Abd al-Karim al-Maghili, who founded Quranic schools in the city of Taghida. The Sultan consulted him on religious matters. Also present was Sheikh al-Aqib bin Abdullah al-Taghdaawi al-Aghdasi, who authored the book "Answers of the Poor to the Questions of the Prince," a scholarly dialogue with Prince Askia Muhammad. He also wrote another book titled "The Obligation of Friday Prayer in the Village of Anu Saman," one of the villages of Taghida, in addition to other works. Sheikh Shams al-Din bin al-Najib al-Taghdaawi al-Anusmani also resided in Agadez, west of Niger.

Among the works by Africans on the history of Songhai is the book by Mahmud Katti al-Timbukti (d. 1548 AD) titled "Tarikh al-Fattash fi Akhbar al-Juyush wa al-Muluk wa Akabir al-Nas" (The History of al-Fattash in the News of Armies, Kings, and Great People), in which he described the conditions of the Songhai kingdom and the news of its kings. As for Abd al-Rahman bin Ammar al-Sa'di (d. 1691 AD), he discussed the cultural, intellectual, and social life of the Songhai kingdom in his book "Tarikh al-Sudan" (History of Sudan). This state, whose capital was Gao, is now, after its demise, part of ten countries in West Africa.

Literature in Chad: Since the advent of Islam in this country, the Chadian people have adopted Arabic as the language of communication among members of society and as the official language in administrative and educational institutions. Arabic literature in Chad served as a link between Arab and African societies. Through the themes addressed by Chadian writers in poetry and prose, their strong adherence to their Arab-African identity is clearly evident.

The poet Ibrahim al-Kanemi, who lived between 550 and 608 AH, is considered...