{"id":1241,"date":"2025-07-01T13:39:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T10:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qiraatafrican.com\/journal\/?post_type=article&p=1241"},"modified":"2025-12-01T17:41:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T14:41:25","slug":"african-epic-literature-a-study-of-islamic-influence","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/qiraatafrican.com\/journal\/article\/african-epic-literature-a-study-of-islamic-influence","title":{"rendered":"African Epic Literature: A Study of Islamic Influence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Publisher: <\/strong>Qira’at Afriqiyah Magazine
Issue:<\/strong> 65, July 2025
ISSN<\/strong>: 2634-131X
Year :<\/strong> 21
Pages: <\/strong>96-111
Author<\/strong>: Dr. Mahmood Ahmad Musa
Download pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/a>Abstract:<\/span><\/strong>
<\/bdo>    Epic literature stands among the earliest comprehensive literary traditions recorded in history. Epic poets craft narratives that chronicle the heroic journey of their protagonists, reflecting the collective imagination of their people from inception to conclusion-often interwoven with supernatural elements and extraordinary feats. This is particularly evident in African epics, notably Swahili epics and others examined in the study, which vividly showcase the dominant Islamic and Arabic cultural influences within these societies. These cultures are largely characterized by their Islamic-Arabic identity, a distinction that permeates their poetic styles. \nMoreover, Swahili and other African writers historically composed their works using Arabic script, underscoring the profound connection between African written literature and Islam as a linguistic and cultural foundation. The study finds that Swahili-African epic literature, especially those centered on religious themes, draws heavily from Arab-Islamic heritage. Swahili poets and other African literary figures have demonstrated remarkable skill in crafting biographical and heroic epics, with the number of documented epics reaching 70 by the year 1972.\nAfrican epics have successfully incorporated artistic and epic events in a psychologically compelling manner that aligns with African culture, while being influenced by Islamic elements. Some of these epics serve as narratives of their heroes\u2019 lives and military achievements, shaped by unique African influences that suggest the hero has attained a position of prominence among nations and peoples. Moreover, these epics highlight the role of magic and spirituality in shaping society and its cultural identity, serving as historical records that reflect African values and traditions.\n\n<\/span><\/pre>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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