During the French colonial period (and even in contemporary neoliberal Senegal), Wolofal functioned as a coded language.
, serving as a means of spiritual connection and devotion for the listeners. Notable Performances
"Wolofal- Seydina Mouhamed" by S. Khadim Gueye is far more than a poem. It is a theological treatise disguised as a song, a linguistic bridge between Arabia and Africa, and a manual of spiritual emancipation. Through the rustic beauty of Wolofal script, Serigne Khadim Gueye achieved what few scholars have: he placed the most profound love of the Prophet into the very mouths of his people. Wolofal- Seydina Mouhamed par S. Khadim Gueye
[Your Name/Institution] Date: October 26, 2023
To appreciate the magnitude of S. Khadim Gueye’s contribution, one must first understand the medium: . During the French colonial period (and even in
A field study of Mouride dahiras (religious groups) in Touba reveals that Gueye’s Wolofal poems are recited nightly. The disciple does not need to know Arabic grammar; he only needs a sincere heart and a mouth that can shape the Wolof syllables written in Arabic script.
This paper focuses specifically on Gueye’s poetic invocations of (Our Master Muhammad). For Gueye, the Prophet is not merely a historical figure but the haqiqa Muhammadiyya (Muhammadan Reality), the primordial light through which the universe was created. By praising the Prophet in Wolofal, Gueye performs a double act: he fulfills the Islamic duty of salat ‘ala al-nabi (blessings upon the Prophet) and simultaneously elevates Wolof to the status of a sacred language. Khadim Gueye is far more than a poem
This oral performance ensures the preservation of the correct pronunciation—a critical aspect, as a mispronounced vowel can change the meaning of a Wolof word entirely. The survival of the poem depends on the living chain ( Silsila ) of transmission from master to student, mouth to ear.
When a poet like S. Khadim Gueye undertakes to write about the Prophet in Wolofal, they are participating in a genre known as the Madih (Praise Poetry). The goal is two-fold:
While specific verses of "Seydina Mouhamed"
For researchers and devotees seeking an authentic copy of :