Drinking the Word
   of God


Introduction

The Towns of Zinder and Bondoukou
• Zinder
• Bondoukou

The Production of Writing Water

Education and Scholarship in Zinder and Bondoukou
• Education
• Scholarship

Health, Well-Being and the Talismanic Tradition
• Erasure: Writing Water
• Talismans
• Special Prayers

Resources for Further Study

Acknowledgements

Comments


Scholarship


Knowledge of the Qur'an and other religious texts is highly regarded in Bondoukou and Zinder. Children begin attending Qur'anic school as early as age four or five. Although boys and girls begin studying at the same age, it is generally men who attain the highest levels of scholarship. Because women marry at an earlier age than men and assume numerous household responsibilities they have less time to continue intensive study. In spite of these responsibilities some women do continue to study and receive recognition as spiritual leaders in their communities. Scholars are viewed as the religious authority of their communities and are consulted for advice on spiritual as well as physical aspects of well-being.


Library of Malam al-Haji Harisou Watara, Bondoukou.

Bookseller, Amadou Omar Diop, Bondoukou.

Malama Hadiza writing text for erasure, Zinder.

Scholars, Zinder.

Men reading the Qur'an in mosque in village of Bondo Dyula, near Bondoukou.

Karamoko al-Haji Alai Watara, Bondoukou.

Malam Oumarou Illo, Bondoukou.



Education . Scholarship


© Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.