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by Robin Sharma
Servants of Allah summary
Sylviane A. Diouf
Brief summary
Servants of Allah by Sylviane A. Diouf is a comprehensive historical account of the African Muslim experience in America. It sheds light on the often overlooked contributions and resilience of enslaved Muslims, and their enduring faith.
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Table of Contents
Servants of Allah
Summary of key ideas
Islamic Identity and Heritage in the African Diaspora
In Servants of Allah, Sylviane A. Diouf explores the history of African Muslims who were enslaved and brought to the Americas. She begins by dispelling the common misconception that African Muslims, upon their arrival in the New World, abandoned their faith and were assimilated into the dominant Christian culture. Instead, she argues that Islam continued to be a significant part of their identity and heritage.
Diouf highlights that many of the enslaved Africans were Muslims prior to their capture and transportation. They were well-versed in Islamic teachings, and some were even scholars or religious leaders in their communities. Despite the harsh conditions of slavery, they managed to maintain their Islamic practices and beliefs, often in secret and under great risk.
Resilience and Adaptation of Islamic Practices
The author further discusses the resilience and adaptation of Islamic practices in the context of slavery. African Muslims continued to pray, fast, and observe other religious obligations, often merging Islamic rituals with those of other African religions. They also maintained their Islamic names and used Arabic script in their personal writings, demonstrating a strong commitment to their faith and cultural heritage.
Diouf emphasizes the role of Islamic knowledge in the lives of enslaved Muslims. They used their literacy in Arabic to communicate with each other, record their experiences, and even plan rebellions against their oppressors. Their Islamic identity served as a source of strength and resistance, enabling them to endure the hardships of slavery and maintain a sense of community and purpose.
Islamic Influence on African Diaspora Cultures
Throughout Servants of Allah, Diouf also explores the enduring influence of Islam on the cultures and traditions of the African Diaspora. She discusses how Islamic beliefs and practices merged with those of other African religions and European Christianity to form new syncretic religious expressions, such as the development of Islam-influenced spirituals and folk beliefs.
Furthermore, the author highlights the significant contributions of African Muslims to various aspects of American and Caribbean societies. They played roles as skilled craftsmen, interpreters, and even in the military, leaving a lasting mark on the cultural and social landscape of the New World. Diouf argues that the presence of African Muslims significantly shaped the development of the African Diaspora, challenging the commonly held notion of a monolithic African American experience.
Legacy of African Muslim Enslavement
In conclusion, Servants of Allah presents a comprehensive account of the experiences of African Muslims during the period of slavery and their enduring legacy. Diouf's work sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the African Diaspora, emphasizing the resilience, adaptability, and lasting impact of Islamic identity and heritage in the Americas.
She encourages readers to recognize the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of the African Diaspora, challenging the oversimplified narrative of a singular African American experience. By acknowledging the significant presence and contributions of African Muslims, Diouf invites a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the complex history of the African Diaspora.
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What is Servants of Allah about?
Servants of Allah by Sylviane A. Diouf explores the untold history of African Muslim slaves in the Americas. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book reveals how these individuals maintained their faith, identity, and resistance against the brutalities of slavery. It offers a profound insight into the often overlooked contributions of African Muslims to the shaping of American history.
Servants of Allah Review
Servants of Allah (1998) sheds light on the lives of African Muslims enslaved in America, offering a unique perspective on their faith and resilience. Here's why this captivating book is a must-read:
- It unveils the unexplored history of African Muslims in slavery, emphasizing their cultural identity and religious practices.
- The book showcases the strength and perseverance of these enslaved individuals, highlighting their agency and resistance against oppression.
- Through gripping stories and accounts, it reveals a rich cultural heritage that challenges stereotypes and broadens understanding of American history.
Who should read Servants of Allah?
Individuals interested in the history of Islam in the African diaspora
Readers seeking a deeper understanding of the experiences of enslaved African Muslims
Those looking to expand their knowledge of lesser-known aspects of American history
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Servants of Allah FAQs
What is the main message of Servants of Allah?
The main message of Servants of Allah is the history of enslaved Muslims' experience in America.
How long does it take to read Servants of Allah?
Reading Servants of Allah takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Servants of Allah a good book? Is it worth reading?
The book reveals a lesser-known history, making it a valuable read in under 2 hours.
Who is the author of Servants of Allah?
Sylviane A. Diouf is the author of Servants of Allah.
What to read after Servants of Allah?
If you're wondering what to read next after Servants of Allah, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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