From anti-colonialism to quietism : the Tijaniyya order in West Africa

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of the Tijaniyya order in West Africa from an active anti-colonial force to a more quietist one, shedding light on how it changed through time. This study thoroughly analyses primary and secondary sources and explores the historical influences that influenced this change. The study identifies the Tijaniyya order as an important resistance movement against European colonial powers by examining its history, tactics, and leaders during the 19th century. It explores the intricate interactions between colonial policies, sociopolitical shifts, and Islamic reform movements to explain why the movement shifted in the 20th century to a more inward-focused spiritual development. This research offers a detailed view of the development of the Tijaniyya order by examining the roles of significant historical people and the variables that affected their choice to adapt their behaviour. It helps us understand how religion in West Africa has responded to colonialism and provides insightful information about the wider ramifications for postcolonial and religious studies. The results of this study demonstrate how historical context, power relationships, and doctrinal changes have shaped religious groups and their reactions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between religion, resistance, and colonialism, especially in the context of Africa or of the Tijaniyya order in West Africa. In conclusion, this study offers a thorough examination of the doctrinal evolution and historical growth of the Tijaniyya order in West Africa. It highlights the difficulties encountered by the Tijaniyya in their fight against colonial forces and looks into the circumstances that contributed to their decision to adopt a quietist strategy. The research makes contributions to the larger fields of postcolonial studies, religious studies, and African history and offers important new information to academics and researchers who are interested in the complex interactions between colonialism and religion.