Religion
Niane alludes to Sundiata being a Muslim. According to Fage, there is nothing in the original epos that supports the claim. There is little or no reference to Islam either. Sundiata is regarded as a great hunter and magician whose subjects predominantly adhered to the Traditional African religion and so did Sundiata, in order to gain their favors. Others claim that Sundiata was a nominal Muslim with syncretism practices.Sundiata Keita's son, adopted sons and brother all had Muslim names, suggesting that he was at least a nominal Muslim, who may have complied with followers of the traditional religion to gain their favor and loyalty.
It is claimed by some historians that the Mali Empire was not founded by a Muslim dynasty, but by non-Muslims, based on the tenets of Traditional African religion. However, many of Sundiata's successors, including his son Uli I of Mali, were Muslims, Mansa Musa being one of the most celebrated.
Read more about this topic: Sundiata Keita
Famous quotes containing the word religion:
“A man has no religion who has not slowly and painfully gathered one together, adding to it, shaping it; and one’s religion is never complete and final, it seems, but must always be undergoing modification.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“You say there is no religion now. ‘Tis like saying in rainy weather, there is no sun, when at that moment we are witnessing one of his superlative effects.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“I told him that Goldsmith had said,... “As I take my shoes from the shoemaker, and my coat from the taylor, so I take my religion from the priest.” I regretted this loose way of talking. JOHNSON. Sir, he knows nothing; he has made up his mind about nothing.””
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)