The sources of Ahmadu Bamba's works on sufism

Ahmadu Bamba Mbacke, known as Khadīm ar-Rasūl (the Servant of the Messenger Muhammad), played a significant role in West African Islam's intellectual and spiritual history. As the founder of al-Murīdiyya Sufi order in Senegal, Bamba's teachings have influenced religious practices, emphasizing faith, devotion, and ethical conduct (iḥsān). This thesis explores Bamba's intellectual development, focusing on the historical contexts, influences, and contributions that shaped his Sufi thought. While the impact of al-Murīdiyya is recognized, Bamba's intellectual foundations have not been thoroughly examined. This study fills this gap by analyzing Bamba's engagement with classical Sufi literature and the intellectual figures that influenced him. It also discusses how Bamba adapted traditional Sufi teachings to the political and social realities of colonial Senegal. Through methods such as textual analysis, comparative studies, and consideration of historical context, this research provides a comprehensive examination of the role played by prominent historical scholars and influential texts in shaping Bamba's intellectual and spiritual development, while also offering insights into his contributions and the evolution of Sufism in response to historical challenges.