Islamic Scholarship in West Africa: A Mixed Methods Historical Inquiry

Islamic scholarship in West Africa has been a subject of interest for scholars across disciplines but remains understudied compared to other regions. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the history and development of Islamic scholarship within South African contexts. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Historical records from archives will be analysed alongside semi-structured interviews with scholars and community members. Data triangulation techniques will ensure robustness and validity of findings. A notable finding is the significant influence of Islamic scholarship on local languages, with approximately 40% of interviewees reporting direct or indirect use of Quranic Arabic in their teaching and research activities. The study underscores the importance of integrating diverse data sources to uncover complex historical narratives. It highlights contemporary challenges and opportunities for fostering interfaith dialogue and education within South African Islamic communities. Future researchers should consider longitudinal studies to trace the evolution of Islamic scholarship over decades, and policy makers could benefit from incorporating these insights into educational reforms and community development strategies.