The Tijāniyya order in Tamale, Ghana : its foundation, organization and role

The thesis explores the historical background, activities and organization of the Tijaniyya ṣufi order in the Tamale District of Ghana. After a survey of the history of Islam's penetration of sub-Saharan Africa, and the role of ṣufi orders in this process generally, the thesis looks at the founder of the Tijaniyya, Aḥmad al-Tijani (d. 1815 A.D.), his beliefs and the spread of these beliefs in the Dagbon area and, ultimately, the Tamale District. This is followed by an overview of the order's salient doctrines, and especially those teachings that are more or less unique to the Tamale region and that have awakened the ire of local Wahhabiyya members (Munchires). A look at the Tijaniyya local organizations and institutions comes next, which forms a backdrop to the discussion of the cross-section of the conflicts that have ensued between the order and its opponents in the Wahhabiyya movement. It will be seen that the Tijaniyya has had a considerable impact on the social fabric of the region, especially in terms of its ability to maintain the integrity of this fabric and its efforts at promoting non-violence between religious groups in the area. Our analysis concludes with a look at the series of reconciliation efforts made to find a lasting solution to the conflicts