Description
Book SynopsisThe present volume is a pioneering collection of poetry by the outstanding Kenyan poet, intellectual and imam Ustadh Mahmmoud Mau (born 1952) from Lamu island, once an Indian Ocean hub, now on the edge of the nation state. By means of poetry in Arabic script, the poet raises his voice against social ills and injustices troubling his community on Lamu. The book situates Mahmoud Mau’s oeuvre within transoceanic exchanges of thoughts so characteristic of the Swahili coast.
Table of ContentsForeword List of Figures Abbreviations Notes on Contributors Introduction Annachiara Raia and Clarissa Vierke Part 1 Poetry as Intellectual Practice Ustadh Mahmoud Mau, Mtu wa watu (“A Man of the People”): Poet, Imam, and Engaged Local Intellectual Kai Kresse and Kadara Swaleh Shaping and Being Shaped by Lamu Society: Ustadh Mau’s Poetry in the Context of Swahili Poetic Practice Jasmin Mahazi “Born on the Island”: Situating Ustadh Mau’s Poetic Practice in Context Clarissa Vierke Seeking ʿilm on Lamu: Ustadh Mau’s Library and Services for the Benefit of His Community Annachiara Raia How Ought We to Live? The Ethical and the Poetic in Ustadh Mahmoud Mau’s Poetry Clarissa Vierke Mabanati in Search of an Author: Portable Reform Texts and Multimodal Narrative Media among Swahili Muslim Communities Annachiara Raia Part 2 Poems by Ustadh Mau Introduction to Part 2 Jamii: Topical Issues on Lamu 1 Amu (“Lamu”) 2 Bandari ina mawimbi (“The Port Makes Waves”) 3 Jahazi (“The Dhow”) 4 Tupijeni makamama (“Let Us Embrace”) Ilimu: The Importance of Education 1 Mwalimu (“Teacher”) 2 Kilio huliya mwenye (“Change Begins at Home”) 3 Kiswahili (“Swahili”) 4 Za Washirazi athari (“The Influence of the Persians”) Huruma: Social Roles and Responsibility 1 Mama msimlaumu (“Don’t Blame My Mother”) 2 Jilbabu (“Veil”) 3 Mchezo Wa Kuigiza (“Play”) 4 Haki za watoto (“Children’s Rights”) 5 Wasiya wa mabanati (“Advice to Young Women”) Matukio: Biographical Poems 1 Hafi asiye timiwa (“No One Dies Before His Time Is Up”) 2 Mlango “The Door” Maombi: Personal Poems of Supplication 1 Hapo zamani za yana (“Once Upon A Time”) 2 Tunda (“Fruit”) 3 Kipande cha ini (“Piece of My Liver”) 4 Mola zidisha baraka (“God Increase Your Blessings”) 5 Yasome na kukumbuka (“Read and Remember”) References of Part 2 Index
