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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 12:18:23
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Tuesday, 22 June 2010
The Masala Movement in the Gambia.. Making their activities clear (Marakaz) Part 1 of 4
Analysing the work of Marloes Janson who carried out an extensive field work in the Gambia (2003-2006)
“When my neighbour – an elderly imam and Marabout trained in the Sufi tradition1 – in theGambian town of Sukuta where I was conducting field research, learned that I was interested in the expansion of the Tabligh Jama‘at (Masala Movement), a transnational Islamic missionary movement originating in South Asia, he summoned me to his compound.
After showing me pictures of his master, a Tijani sheikh from Senegal, he warned me of the dangers of ‘asking children (dindingos) questions about Islam’. Instead of interviewing them
I should have come to him:” Jenson
That is the typical reaction of Sufi Imams at the sight of young Masalahs (by the wish of God members). The name Masala is use as a derogation to the members of the Tabliq Jamaat. The Imam of Sukuta refers to them as Dindingos (children) in order to belittle grown up men.
This paper is based on ethnographic fieldwork undertaken between November 2003 and April 2004, April and June 2005, and March and June 2006 in The Gambia (West Africa). The research between 2003 and 2005 was funded by a grant from the International Institute
for the Study of Islam in the Modern World (ISIM), in Leiden (the Netherlands). The research in 2006 was funded by a grant from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and conducted under the ZMO’s research project ‘Urban Youth Cultures in West Africa: Processes of Translocal Appropriation’. I would like to thank Mamadou Diouf, with whom I discussed my latest fieldwork data, for his valuable comments and suggestions. (Jenson)
Historical outline of the Tabligh Jama‘at and its establishment in The Gambia:
Narrated by Jenson
The emergence of the Tabligh Jama‘at as a movement for the revival of Islam can be seen as a continuation of a broader trend of Islamic resurgence in northern India in the wake of the collapse of Muslim power and consolidation of British rule in the mid-nineteenth century. One manifestation of this trend was the rapid growth of madrasas (Islamic schools).
The Jama‘at evolved out of the teachings and practices of the founders of the orthodox Dar-ul ‘Ulum madrasa in Deoband, a town near the Indian capital Delhi. The ulema (Arabic ‘ulama: scholars learned in Islamic sciences) affiliated with this school saw themselves as crusaders against popular expressions of Islam, as well as Hindu and Christian conversion movements, and they aspired to bring to life again the days of the Prophet Muhammad’s Companions (cf. Masud 2000: 3–5; Metcalf 2002: 4, 8–9; Sikand 2002: 16–17, 66).
Mawlana Ilyas was a disciple of the leading Deobandi ulema, who, after his graduation, taught Muslims about correct Islamic beliefs and practices at mosque-based schools. However, he soon became disillusioned with this approach, realizing that Islamic schools
were producing ‘religious functionaries’ but not zealous preachers who were willing to go from door to door to remind people of the key values and practices of Islam. He then decided to quit his teaching position to begin missionary work through itinerant preaching (Ahmad 1995: 166).
Ilyas strove for a purification of Islam as practised by individual Muslims through following more closely the rules laid down in the Sunna. In order to make Muslims ‘true believers’, he insisted that it was the religious duty of not just a few learned scholars but of all Muslims to carry out tabligh, that is, missionary work aimed at the moral transformation of Muslims. Missionary tours by lay preachers became the hallmark of the Jama‘at,8 established officially in 1927 in Delhi. (Jenson)
Over the years the Tabligh Jama‘at has expanded from its international headquarters in India to numerous other countries throughout the world. It has grown into what is probably the largest Islamic movement of contemporary times. It has come to establish a presence in about 150 countries throughout the world, and its annual conferences in Pakistan and Bangladesh have grown into the second largest religious congregation of the Muslim world after the pilgrimage to Mecca (cf. Ahmad 1995: 165; Sikand 2002: xi). Despite its worldwide influence on the lives of millions of Muslims, scholars have paid almost no attention to its spreading in sub-Saharan Africa.9 An explanation for this indifference is that this region is frequently, but unjustly, seen as the ‘periphery’ of the Muslim world. In this paper I focus on The Gambia, which, despite its small size, during the last decade has become a booming centre of Tablighi activities in West Africa (Janson 2005).
My analysis: Jenson's piece can be considered very fair and balance from his presentation of the founding of Tabliqh Jamaat or Masala movement to Gambians.
In part two I will bring forward the founder of the movement in Bundung Serrekunda, the common misconceptions and typical Masala mannerism. We all have friends and relatives that belongs to the movement. They are not a violent extremist movement, neither are they anti-work or culture. However, in every setting there will be those that go a bit far in their interpretations.
Posted by SUNTOU TOURAY at 10:58
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Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 15:27:54
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| Masa Allah...I cant wait for the subsequent parts. Make it quick...I cant wait. Thank you for sharing. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 16:55:33
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quote:
Originally posted by mansasulu
Masa Allah...I cant wait for the subsequent parts. Make it quick...I cant wait. Thank you for sharing.
Indeed Mansa, I am re-arranging the work to capture the Gambian context. It is a beautiful field work, although the sponsors intention are suspect, the researcher did a brillaint work. I will hopefully post the full attack of the Sukuta Imam's on masaalas tommorow. However, he is not alone in seeing the Tabligh as a game changer.
The question now arises, should we trust field researchers with every single information knowing that, they are working for obscure groups. The peace corps experience is another serious area of concern. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Momodou
Denmark
11685 Posts |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 18:37:03
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| Momodou, I am not an insider. I have a few friends who are members though. Thanks for the extra link. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Momodou
Denmark
11685 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 18:46:09
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| Please excuse me, I thought you were a member. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Prince
507 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2010 : 08:32:42
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Interesting but controversial research Santa, Most older folks aren't against Masala... they are just reluctant to change and follow the preachings of poorly educated young men with suspect backgrounds.
Some Masalas also insist on preaching at very inappropriate times. |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2010 : 08:42:37
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Indeed Prince... yes the elders don't want to change but some are against them totally. Later today, i will put forward the full attack of Imam Baye of Sukuta.
Momodou, yes, i was a member if that is the terms you mean. I like their strategy of not giving up on bad boys . |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2010 : 18:31:45
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Friday, 25 June 2010
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MASAHLAS IN THE GAMBIA Sukuta Imam's attack:
“Mashalas are lazy Muslims. There are too many Mashalas here, especially among the youth. I don’t support them. They don’t act according to our ancestors’ ways. That is why I reject them. They don’t know anything about Islam. When we accept their ways, misunderstanding will enter into Islam. That is why I send them away when they come to the mosque in Sukuta (…). A child should obey an elder, a son should obey his father, and the Muslim congregation should obey its imam. But they don’t show any respect for the imam.
These small boys are now provoking the elders. That shows that they are not true Muslims but hypocrites (...). If someone is more knowledgeable in Islam than you, why do you reject him? The Mashalas are ignorant; they only want to mislead people (…). Life in this world is very short. We should try to inquire into Islam before we die. You are welcome any time you wish to discuss more about Islam.”
( Comments above was by the Imam of Sukuta against the local Masalas: Ismaila Baye)
The above statement is stereo typical of some local Imams against Tabligh Jamat members. The fear is that, the youthful religious Masalas will take over their Mosque and bring down their influence. Some of the Mosque committee react angrily whenever a young Masala youth wants to talk about religion.
They usually shout them down with unnecessary rebuffs. However, this only strengthens the convictions of these young believers. The Imam couldn't’t help himself without referring to them as ignorant, lazy etc.
The Masalas in fact engage mostly in reading and spreading what they learn. They follow the six points... I shall God Willing explain that concept later. There spiritual conducts are more rigorous than most the Imams who mainly recite their Tijani or qadiria Wirds which exclusive to the Tariga. You can find some the keen Tijanis not speakin during this process whilst the Masalas never fail to speak to brothers in any place.
The act of standing in a crowded Mosque and preaching the basic tenet of Islam is hard enough. The Imams actually follow methodological forms of preaching whilst the Masalas routine unconventional training in unfamiliar environment prepared them to stand and speak in any crowd or under every circumstances. This is what actually scares the Imams.
De-mystifying the misconception against the Masalas:
Jenson through his research found out that:
“...in The Gambia the majority of Tablighis had a modern, secular education. They are referred to as ‘English students’ in local idiom, and are to be found particularly at Gambia College, the University of The Gambia, and also – somewhat paradoxically – at Nusrat High school, the school run by the Ahmadiyya Mission.”
Analysis:
The fear from certain Imams or community leaders is also base on this issues. Secular educated Gambians have become more religious than religiously educated Gambians. Secular educated Gambians are openly living Islam whilst religious educated Gambians even graduates are trying to copy the secular live style of dress; suit and tie whilst secular educated Gambians are doing the opposite. This contrast of paradigm is causing many parents to rethink the old adage that, secular educated Gambians are likely to live a western live style which may include alcohol drinking and relax sexual habits. The myth of the Imams against secular Gambians have collapse and the Masalas from Gambia College have led the charge.
Mahsala live style and Mannerism:
“Every Thursday Tablighi men gather in Markaz to perform their prayers, immerse themselves in constant remembrance of God, listen to sermons, recite the Quran and other religious texts, talk about the faith, even spending the night there.” Jenson
Analysis:
It is true that, the members visit Marakaz in Bundung every Thursday night for sermons and spend the night there. This is followed by going out and visiting local Muslims, reminding them of their purpose in live, this process is referred to as 'gaz'.
Then on a Friday Night, a group that intends to travel to distant localities park their belongings and depart. No one pays for anybody. The food, drink and other basic needs are burned by the volunteer. And at the designated Mosque, the group is headed by the Ameer ( leader). He will take advise from the group and then the group will be split into parts (those in charge of food, cleaning, visiting houses and those that stays in the mosque is put in place).
The impression this organise routine has on new members cannot be over emphasised. The concept of (kidmat) appeals to many new and old members.
To be continued Insahalah.
Posted by SUNTOU TOURAY at 09:13
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Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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tamsier
United Kingdom
556 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2010 : 17:20:10
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| This islamic sect has been exposed before. Any Gambian or Senegambian who is in league with them is an enemy of Senegambia and its people. |
Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
Edited by - tamsier on 26 Jun 2010 17:21:10 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2010 : 13:19:54
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quote:
Originally posted by tamsier
This islamic sect has been exposed before. Any Gambian or Senegambian who is in league with them is an enemy of Senegambia and its people.
SENEGAMBIA KNEW PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AND HOSPITALITY SINCE THE DAYS OF FOREFATHERS!
STOP BRINGING POLITICS TO UNDER MINE THE STRONG BOND WE WERE BROUGHT UP? |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2010 : 17:18:44
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Masa Allah!!
Bro Santa, this is very informative. Please keep them coming! May Allah reward you for your efforts. I think there is a lot of misconception, most of it intentional surrounding such a fine revival movement. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2010 : 20:23:41
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| Thanks Mansa, I will also pray for Momodou for facilitating the dialogue here. May Allah reward him also. I met Karamo Dukureh once in 1998. He was all that islam embodied. I remembered during Asr Sallah, he was walking gently making the rows straight. His down to earth manners affected many during his time. May his soul rest in peace. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 00:13:03
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quote:
Originally posted by tamsier
This islamic sect has been exposed before. Any Gambian or Senegambian who is in league with them is an enemy of Senegambia and its people.
Bigotry is the enemy of humanity. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 03:55:13
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| There is nothing revival about the Masala's. Why is it that some of the brothers involved in it are going crazy and just acting weired in Public. I know a few of them and as has been proven who are these vulnerable people falling victim to a promise of fulfillment. The biggest problem in my opinion is poverty and it does not get any better in Africa. My experiences in Gambia, it is the people who lost all hopes of life "Nerves beh Nerves satung" so they decided god had chosen their destiny for them, after coming in contact with the Merchants of religion. It gives them that lost hope and determination to follow gods will but all it takes is a ticket to London or America, The first thing to go is the Beard, and if it's a chick the Ebadou becomes one of those kinky articles of theirs, I seen Santa's sekim disappear right here in Bantaba. "Sekimey Saitan" disappears and then I would say life goes on once again. These are men lacking direction and motivation, only religion and the promise of a better future is appealing to them including the sty-pens I guess. I have met a few crazy ones who probably could not balance the propaganda vs reality so they went crazy roaming the streets worse than where they started from.............................................Peace |
I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 30 Jun 2010 05:09:44 |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2010 : 15:26:15
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| I never had the chance to meet Karamo Dukureh. Your piece on him is excellent. May Allah have mercy on him and reward him for all of his efforts. We are truely blessed to have the works and efforts of such fine men alive today. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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