The manuscript is a handwritten copy of the original. The original is believed to have been written between 1902 and 1954 by Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Most of the manuscript is written with black ink, with the red ink used for vowels and key words. Purple and green ink are also used to highlight some key words. There are parts in Arabic, especially in prayers, and in opening and closing formulae. The material contains discussions on religious and secular issues. The themes addressed include, among others, prayers against evil and misfortune, prayers for knowledge, strong faith, divine blessings in this world and the afterlife, prayers for good health, good harvest, good rainy season for farmers, and praises of Prophet Muhammad and Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. It also include satirical materials such as criticisms directed to false spiritual guides who mislead their followers and the fools who follow them, warnings against jealousy, Satan's traps, betrayal, talkativeness, laziness, and indiscipline. The author also stressed the importance of patience, serenity, being able to listen, the significance of hard work, abiding by the ndigal (instructions), true friendship, perseverance, and self-criticism. The challenges and achievements of several Murid dignitaries are also mentioned including those of Cheikh Ibrahima Fall, Serigne Mouhammadou Moustapha Mbacke who served as the first Khalifa of the order, and Serigne Massamba Mbacke, among others. The author uses Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba's teachings, the Wolof local culture, values, realities, and symbols to educate and disseminate Murid ethos among the masses.
Physical characteristics of original material: Pages are generally readable. Several are missing due to borrowers who never returned them.
1 unbound paper manuscript of 428 pages. Date of orginal: c 1902-1954.
Author: Serigne Mbaye Diakhate. Scribe: Abdou Dieng (copyist). Language: Wolof (with some Arabic in religious quotations, prayers, and in the openings and endings of poems). Script of material: Wolof Ajami (Wolofal).
