Islamic Manuscripts from Mali features 32 manuscripts from the Mamma Haidara Commemorative Library and the Library of Cheick Zayni Baye of Boujbeha, both in Timbuktu, Mali. The manuscripts presented online are displayed in their entirety and are an exemplary grouping that showcase the wide variety of subjects covered by the written traditions of Timbuktu, Mali, and West Africa.
The manuscripts are written in various styles of the Arabic script. These styles were developed in Timbuktu and the surrounding regions of Mali and West Africa.
There are special presentations of maps, photographs, and other information about the Mamma Haidara Commemorative Library. These presentations provide a fuller picture of the culture and society which produced and preserved these valuable artifacts of human endeavor.
Digital images of the manuscripts were donated by Abdel Kader Haidara, owner and director of the Mamma Haidara Commemorative Library. The Library of Congress will include additional manuscripts in the future as new digital images are received.
Ahkam al-Shira al-Yamaniyah wa-ma Yazharu min Hawadith fi al-Alam inda Zuhuriha fi Kull Sanah (Knowledge of the Movement of the Stars and What it Portends in Every Year)
al-Durar al-manzumah fi tadmim al-dunya al-muqabahah (Benefits of repentance)
al-Fawa’id wa-al-Qala’id (Useful Stories and Verses)
al-Jawahir al-Hisan fi Marifat Arkan al-Iman (The Jewel of Beauty for Education in the Pillars of the Faith)
al-Minnah fi Itiqad Ahl al-Sunnah (The Gift of the Followers of the Path of Muhammad)
al-Mubin fi Mukhtasar Maani al-Alfaz al-Mutadawilah bayna al-Hukama’ wa-al-Mutakallimin (A Summary Explanation of the Pronouncements of the Scholars and Theologians)
As’ilat Askiyah wa-Ajwibat al-Maghili (Maghili’s Tract on Politics)
Bughyat al-Talibin li-ma Tadammanatihu Umm al-Barahin (The Goal of Seekers, a Commentary on the Work The Mother of Proofs)
Certificate of emancipation for female slave
Commercial agreement (Gold as Currency)
Commercial agreement (Slave Trade)
Jawab Ahmad al-Bakayi ala Risalat Amir al-Mu’minin Ahmad al-Masini (The Response of Ahmad al-Bakayi to the Letter of Amir Ahmad, Ruler of Massinah)
Jizwat al-Anwar fi al-Dhabb an Manasib Awliya’ Allah al-Akhyar (The Flowers of Light in Defense of the Status of God’s Chosen Saints)
Kashf al-Ghummah fi Nafa al-Ummah (The Important Stars Among the Multitude of the Heavens)
Kashf al-Hijab li-Asfiya’ al-Ahbab an Ajnihat al-Righab fi Marifat al-Hisab (Explanations of the Problems in Arithmetic with Examples)
Kitab ‘umdat al-‘ulama’ (The excellence of the religious scholars)
Kitab al-Barakah fi Fadl al-Hiraf wa-al-Zar (The Book Describing the Blessed Merits of Crafts and Agriculture)
Kitab hisab al-nimar wa huwa fi ‘ilm al-nujum (On the calculation of numbers in the science of astronomy)
Kitab qissat dhu al-qarnayn (The story of dhu al-qarnayn known as Alexander the Great)
Kitab tadhkirat al-ghafilin ‘an qubhi ikhtilaf al-mu’minin – aww al-nasuh al-mubin qubhi ikhtilaf al-mu’minin (A reminder to those who ignore religion)
Miraj al-Suud ila nayl Majlub al-Sudan (Ahmad Baba answers a Morrocan’s questions about slavery)
Munyat al-murid (The hope of the followers of the mystics)
Qasidah (Poem)
Risalah ila al-Qaba’il al-Mutaqatilin (Letter to the Warring Tribes)
Sharh ‘ala Amthilat al-Fara’id (Commentary on the work Examples of Law)
Sharh ‘ala hashiyat ibn Zakur (Explanation of the commentary of ibn Zakur)
Sharh ‘ala manzumat Abi ‘Abdallah Muhammad al-‘Arabi (Explanation of the work of Abi Abdullah Muhammad al- Arabi)
Sharh ‘ala nazm al-muthallath lil-Ghazali wa nazm Nuh b. al-Tahir al-Fulani (Explanation of the work of al-Ghazali and Nuh b. al-Tahir al-Fulani)
Shifa’ al-Asqam al-Aridah fi al-Zahir wa-al-Batin min al-Ajsam (Curing Diseases and Defects both Apparent and Hidden)
Sullam al-Atfal fi Buyu al-Ajal (The Protection of Individuals in Commercial Transactions)
Usul al-‘Adl li-Wullat al-Umur wa-Ahl al-Fadl wa-al-Salatin (The Administration of Justice for Governors, Princes and the Meritorious Rulers)
