Comic · de Gruyter

Knowledge Is Rhythm

Versifying Philosophy in Wolof Sufi Poetry

How can poetry convey philosophy and embody knowledge? This book addresses this question through a study of Wolofal, the Islamic religious poetry in Wolof that flourished with the rise of the Muridiyya brotherhood in Senegal. By focusing on four key poets--Samba Jaara Mbay, Moor Kayre, Mbay Jaxate, and Muusaa Ka--it shows how their works articulated the concept of xam-xam (knowledge) as both spiritual insight and lived practice. Drawing on original translations and close readings, the study highlights how Wolofal represents a synthesis of Wolof and Arabic traditions, where rhythm and form are inseparable from meaning. Rather than applying external frameworks, it lets the texts themselves reveal their philosophical depth, demonstrating that poetry was not only a literary form but also a vehicle of education, proselytism, and cultural innovation. By analysing how knowledge becomes rhythm and action, this book sheds new light on African Sufi literature and contributes to broader debates on philosophy, religion, and indigenous epistemologies. It will be of interest to scholars and students in African studies, Islamic studies, literature, and philosophy, as well as readers curious about the intersections of language, poetry, and spirituality.