The manuscript is the original handwritten by Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. It is believed to have been written between 1902 and 1954. Black, red, green, and purple ink are used throughout the manuscript. Key words and vocalization marks are generally written in red. Purple and green ink are also used in some sections in Arabic. In some pages, some vowels are in blue. Some sections written in red ink have no vocalization marks.There are parts in Arabic, especially in prayers, and in opening and closing formulae. The manuscript also contains geometrical figures with ornaments using multiple colors. The manuscript includes numerous Wolof Ajami poems (Wolofal) written by Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. The themes addressed in the manuscript include religious and secular issues, ranging from the need to be aware of bad influences in society, advice for peaceful living, advice for good conduct, praises of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the ideal Murid education and discipline, moral and civic educatin, the importance of nurturing friendship and seeking knowledge, the importance of the city Touba, the need to avoid Satan and suicide, the importance of solidarity, to the importance of abiding by the Ndigal (instruction/order) from the Murid leadership, among others. Serigne Mbaye Diakhate draws on the local Wolof culture and knowledge to educate and disseminate the teachings of Muridiyya to the Wolof masses. The manuscript provides internal insights into the belief system and teachings of Muridiyya.
Physical characteristics of original material: Due to the age of the documents, some pages are hard to read, and the ink has faded away in some. Some lines are erased. Some pages are missing and others are destroyed.
1 unbound paper manuscript of 215 pages. Date of orginal: c 1902-1954.
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).
