The Chinguetti Mahadra: Its Origins, Characteristics and Role in Spreading Knowledge

المحظرة الشنقيطية .. المفهوم والخصائص

Abstract

Abstract

This research attempts to demonstrate the scientific and cultural life in the country of Chinguetti (Mauritania) by exploring the characteristics of the Chinguetti Mahadra as a scientific and mobile university that contributed to spreading Islam and the Arabic language in West Africa and strengthening it. Al-Mahdara is considered a center that emphasizes Islam norms and plays a vital role against the French policy that aimed to obliterate the society's identity. Also, the cultural renaissance that the Chinguetti country witnessed during its golden period is due to the efforts of the Mahdara.

This study is significant because it reveals the importance of the Chinguetti Mahadra as a private educational institution that distinguished the country from the rest of the Islamic countries by its unique scientific methodology. This research found out that the Chinguetti Mahadra is a phenomenon specific to the Chinguetti country since it is characterized by the flexibility of studying and teaching to cope with the conditions of the desert and its nature. Also, it has remarkably succeeded in spreading various sciences. Therefore, it is indispensable to preserve and develop this kind of university to perform its tasks following the changes of the present era. The government and society should support and encourage this institution to sustain itself.

Keywords: Chinguetti Mahadra - Mauritania - Chinguetti scholars.