Islamic society and state power in Senegal
Subtitle: disciples and citizens in Fatick
By: Leonardo A. Villalón.
Series: African studies series ;; 80
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 338
Subjects: Islam and state -- Senegal -- Fatick (Region); Tījanīyah -- Senegal -- Fatick (Region); Senegal -- Politics and government.
Description: The Sufi Muslim orders to which the vast majority of Senegalese belong are the most significant institutions of social organization in the country. While studies of Islam and politics have tended to focus on the destabilizing force of religiously based groups, Leonardo Villalon argues that in Senegal the orders have been a central component of a political system that has been among the most stable in Africa.

Focusing on a regional administrative center, he combines a detailed account of grassroots politics with an analysis of national and international forces to examine the ways in which the internal dynamics of the orders shape the exercise of power by the Senegalese state. This is a major study that should be read by every student of Islam and politics as well as of Africa.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 314-331) and index.