Muhammad Shareef.s introduction to this important work is a delight to read. Its lucid prose sets out clearly the African heritage of those who are counted as Arabs, constructing this history as the logical segue into a history of the Arabic language. The long presence of the Arabic language in Africa historically has been ignored; Muhammad Shareef.s is a careful reconstruction of Arabic.s legacy throughout Africa, from Senegal to Sudan, Tripoli to Timbuktu. He draws from historical sources to support his perspective, citing works as far back as the Sahih of al-Bukhari (on the authority of Ibn Abbas) to nineteenth century commentaries from long-neglected luminaries like Shehu Usman .dan Fodiyo. Shareef.s commentary on Arabic as an oral language is particularly refreshing, as this important aspect of the languages traditionally is neglected in academic foci on documents. The importance in Arabic of oral communication of the word is central to its origin and continued role among the devout. Indeed, it is fair to say that reliance on oral communication of the word is at the heart of devotion; while written expression is revered, oral/aural expression of the word of God is a Muslim.s first and most pervasive means of relating to God.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE>>