Contours of Change

Discover a groundbreaking exploration of historical transformation in Contours of Change: Muslim Courts, Women, and Islamic Society in Colonial Bathurst, the Gambia, 1905–1965 by Bala Saho. Published by Michigan State University Press in 2018, this insightful paperback spans 216 pages and delves into the intricate dynamics of Islamic law and social conditions in West Africa during British colonial rule.

Utilizing a previously unexamined collection of qadi court records alongside over two hundred oral interviews conducted in Wolof and Mandinka, Saho sheds light on the experiences of Muslim women and the evolution of marriage law in this unique historical context. This compelling work not only enriches our understanding of the past but also provides a vital perspective on the ongoing implications for contemporary Islamic society. Perfect for scholars and general readers alike, Contours of Change is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of law, gender, and colonial history.