Sufism and Coloniality

Undergraduate / Graduate

A close reading of 19th-20th century Sufi figures who engaged in peaceful and armed resistance against British and French colonial powers in North and West Africa. This course centers Sufi figures often overlooked in decolonial and anti-colonial literature, such as Amadou Bamba, Haj Umar Tal, Usman Dan Fodio, Emir Abdelkader al-Jaza'iri, Abdul Karim al-Khattabi, and Ahmad al-'Alawi. The mystical teachings and political activities of these leading figures will be examined within the broader context of decolonial theory and anti-colonial resistance. No Arabic required.