Khadim Gueye — Wolofal- Seydina Mouhamed Par S.

Transliteration: Yaa Nabi, salaamu ‘alaykum, yaa Rasuul-llaahi Wolof la caam bi fi daaratu Tuubaa

This paper examines the use of Wolofal (the writing of Wolof using the Arabic script) in the panegyric poetry dedicated to Seydina Mouhamed (Prophet Muhammad) by the Senegalese Mouride scholar S. Khadim Gueye. Moving beyond the notion of Wolofal as mere transcription, this study argues that Gueye’s work represents a sophisticated act of spiritual resistance and epistemic decolonization . By encoding classical Islamic tropes of Madih (praise) into the vernacular Wolof, Gueye democratizes access to prophetic spirituality while preserving the baraka (spiritual grace) of the Ajami tradition. The paper analyzes the linguistic mechanics, theological themes, and socio-cultural functions of Gueye’s poetry, positioning it as a cornerstone of Senegalese Islamic literature. Wolofal- Seydina Mouhamed par S. Khadim Gueye

Unlike the dry legalism of some Middle Eastern texts, Gueye’s Wolofal emphasizes ndigël (love) over xare (fear). He often contrasts the scholars ( toubab ak serigne ) who debate the minutiae of fiqh with the simple soul who simply recites Allahuma salli ‘ala Muhammad . For Gueye, the Wolof-speaking peasant who whispers the name of Seydina Mouhamed in Wolofal is spiritually superior to the Arabist who has no humility. By encoding classical Islamic tropes of Madih (praise)

Wolofal as Spiritual Resistance: The Poetic Theology of Seydina Mouhamed in the Works of S. Khadim Gueye He often contrasts the scholars ( toubab ak

[Your Name/Institution] Date: October 26, 2023