The manuscript is a photocopy of the original handwritten by Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Based upon the interview with the owner, the material was written in 1948 in Khourou Mbacke, Diourbel. Due to the black and white photocopy of the material, the usual red, purple, and green colors of the ink used in Serigne Mbaye Diakhate's work are lost. There are parts in Arabic, especially in prayers, and in the opening and closing formulae. This manuscript contains numerous Wolof Ajami poems (Wolofal) dealing with both religious and secular issues, including devotional, polemical, satirical, and praise poetry. Some of themes addressed in the manuscript include, among others, prayers for knowledge and wisdom, the importance of being informed/educated and educating others, prayers for Bamba's guidance, protection, and blessings, prayers for strength, and the religious and secular duties of genuine Murid disciples. The manuscript also include a poem dedicated to a woman (Soxna Aminata), a poem on the values of perseverance, endurance, optimism, and gratefulness to Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba for his work, blessings, and teachings. The manuscript provides insights into Murid philosophy, belief system, and ideals in this life and the afterlife.
Physical characteristics of original material: Due to the quality of the photocopy, and ink stains, some pages are hard to read.
1 bound paper manuscript of 334 pages. Date of orginal: 1948.
Author: Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Scribe: Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Language: Wolof (with some Arabic in religious quotations, prayers, and in the openings and endings of poems). Script of material: Wolof Ajami (Wolofal).
