A Memoir of My Encounters with Islam
University of Michigan Press
https://press.umich.edu/Books/M/Malaika-and-the-Seven-Heavens2
Malaika and the Seven Heavens explores Toyin Falola's personal journey with Islam, beginning with his early years in Ibadan, Nigeria. Growing up in environments where Islam coexisted with traditional African religions and later living in a predominantly Christian country, he witnessed the complexities of cultural and religious diversity. In this memoir, Falola shares stories of deep understanding, personal development, and the beauty of a faith that transcends language, nationality, and culture.
Although faith is a lifelong journey, Falola identifies key moments in his upbringing that shaped his perception of faith, such as observing Islamic prayers, witnessing the significance of pilgrimage, engaging with spiritual leaders, and interacting with both Muslims and non-Muslims. By blending personal observations and reflections with the broader historical and cultural contexts of Islam, the book provides a unique perspective on the lived experiences of Muslims. In addition, Falola's comparative perspective on the interaction of Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion illustrates how these faiths influence and coexist with one another. Chapters explore firsthand experiences at madrasahs, Islamic education, the influence of Islamic music on Yoruba culture, the historical importance of places like Oja Oba in Ibadan, the role of women in Islam, the intersection of traditional medicine with Islamic healing practices, and the broader social and political implications of Islam in Nigerian cities such as Ilorin and Lagos. Ultimately, Malaika and the Seven Heavens aims to foster a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity, inspire meaningful conversations that bridge cultural divides, and enrich our collective knowledge.
Toyin Falola is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the recipient of over thirty lifetime career awards, including twenty honorary doctorates. His more than fifty previous books include A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt: An African Memoir (2004) and Counting the Tiger's Teeth: An African Teenager's Story (2014).
Reviews
"In offering a fascinating glimpse into religious syncretism in South-West Nigeria, Malaika and the Seven Heavens presents profound reflections into the complexities of faith, identity, and coexistence within a diverse society. Falola not only reflects personal experiences but also makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion on religious diversity and coexistence."
- Kazeem Sanuth, Indiana University
"This is much more than the average autobiography. For lovers of Yoruba language, Malaika and The Seven Heavens captures local understanding of the planetary system and the fusion of religion, physics, and the cosmic world."
- Olatunji Ojo, Brock University
Hardcover : 9780472077670, 264 pages, 18 Illustrations, 6 x 9, October 2025
Open Access : 9780472905270, 264 pages, 18 Illustrations, 6 x 9, October 2025
Yorùbá Metaphysics
Spirituality and Supernaturality
by Toyin Falola
Series: African Religions, Social Realities
Imprint: Ohio University Press
Description
Yorùbá Metaphysics challenges Western dominance in the field of epistemology and sheds light on the sophisticated realm of indigenous African knowledge systems and metaphysical thought. Toyin Falola comprehensively explores the complex interplay between the physical and spiritual worlds as understood by the Yorùbá people, offering a fresh perspective on metaphysics, spirituality, and the societal roles these elements play in African communities. The book contributes to the fields of philosophy, religious studies, and African studies by revealing how indigenous epistemologies can inform broader discussions of metaphysics, ethics, and societal development that are outside the Western frame of thought.
Each of the book's fifteen chapters focuses on a distinct aspect of Yorùbá life and cosmology. Topics encompass the everyday consequences of spiritual beliefs on social interactions and community living as well as the philosophical foundations that inform these practices. Noteworthy discussions include the function of language in conveying metaphysical knowledge, the societal impact of esoteric beliefs, and the application of these traditional understandings to contemporary life challenges. This work not only elucidates the nuances of Yorùbá metaphysical thought but also promotes the integration of this knowledge into broader academic and practical settings to advance societal development and sustainability.
As global discourse increasingly seeks to acknowledge and incorporate diverse viewpoints, this book provides essential insights into the workings of an African metaphysical philosophy and its relevance to both regional and international concerns. Falola urges the academic community to reconsider the value and role of indigenous knowledge systems in present-day education and policy formation. This work is vital for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in cultural studies, philosophy, religious studies, and African studies. It is not merely a scholarly work; it is an appeal for a reassessment of the methods by which indigenous knowledge is viewed and applied on an international scale.
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