“Here many manuscript books are sold which come from the lands of the Berber. This trade fetches profits that outrival those of all other commodities.” The high value that African Muslims have given to Arabic and ajami books is attributed to their high regard for learning and erudition. This is especially true with regard to religious and spiritual matters."

(Leo Africanus)

 

 

Shaykh Muhammad Shareef archiving the manuscrpit library of the Sultan of Maiurno on the Blue Nile