In our reading this week, we looked at Islam’s entrance and development in the African continent. For our lab this week, I’d like to further develop our understanding of Islam by tying together what we’ve examined thus far.

First, I’d like you to watch a video about Omar Ibn Said and his famous autobiography. I encourage you o watch it twice. The first time I’d like you to take note of what you’re heard. The second time I’d like you to conceptualize the places and times mentioned in the video–draw a map and timeline using Gomez to help you.

Second, I’d like you to read the story of Abdul Rahman Ibrahima and do a similar activity–noting the peoples, places, and times presented there in.

Finally, I’d like to watch the video of Malcolm X’s Letter from his Hajj (his pilgrimage to Mecca).

After reading and viewing these in succession, consider the following questions:

  1. What do you make of the place of Islam in the African Diaspora? How do scriptures and myths operate in the cases you’ve witnessed?
  2. Surah al-Fatiha has been an important touchstone for those in the case above. How might you see it as being signified in your research thus far (the examples above but also Gomez)?