Subannu al-Muslimin
Definition
Subannu al-Muslimin is a West African educational association established in 1949, which advocated ideas and practices akin to Salafi movements in other parts of the world. The group focused on religious studies and Arabic language education, establishing numerous schools throughout West Africa and reviving local educational practices.
Etymology
The name “Subannu al-Muslimin” is derived from Arabic:
- Subannu (صبان) refers to “associations” or “societies”.
- al-Muslimin (المسلمين) means “of the Muslims”.
In Turkish, it can be referred to as “Müslüman Toplulukları”.
Historical Context
Formation
Subannu al-Muslimin was formed in 1949 to address the educational needs of Muslim communities in West Africa. Unlike the French colonial education system, the association emphasized traditional Islamic knowledge and Arabic, grounded in local customs and contexts.
Ideological Stance
The organization did not align itself based on ethnicity or social class, focusing instead on a common ideological platform inspired by Salafi thought. Salafi movements typically emphasize a return to what they consider purer, original Islamic teachings, stripping away later innovations.
Educational Activities
By founding numerous schools, the organization aimed at promoting a curriculum centered around religious studies and Arabic language skills. The objective was to fortify the Islamic identity and intellectual grounding of Muslim youth in West Africa.
Political Involvement
Although Subannu al-Muslimin was not a politically oriented organization as a whole, many of its members were active in anti-French resistance movements. They played significant roles in building a broader pan-Islamic community politically aligned with groups like the Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (RDA).
Alliances and Extensions
The organization’s efforts led to the foundation of the Union Culturelle Musulmane in 1957, a cultural association that further advanced their educational and ideological goals.
Impact and Legacy
Subannu al-Muslimin contributed significantly to the cultural and educational renewal of Muslim communities in West Africa. It engendered a new sense of pride and unity based on Islamic principles, distinct from colonial influences.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Islam, Youth and Modernity in the Gambia: The Tablighi Jama’at” by Marloes Janson
- “Religion and Politics in West Africa: Islam Under Christianity” by John S. Mbiti
- “Islamic Education in Africa: Writing Boards and Blackboards” Edited by Robert Launay
Takeaways and Conclusion
Subannu al-Muslimin stands as a vital part of West African history, instrumental in the promotion of locally-led Islamic education and preserving religious and cultural identities. Despite not being directly political, it influenced broad-based resistance to colonial rule and fostered a cohesive sense of Islamic community among diverse ethnic groups.
By understanding Subannu al-Muslimin, one gains insights into the broader landscape of Islamic education, political activism, and cultural movements in West Africa post-World War II.
