A Zanzibari Waqf of Books: The Library of the Mundhiri Family

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Periodical article

Title:	A Zanzibari Waqf of Books: The Library of the Mundhiri Family
Authors:	O'Fahey, Rex S. Vikør, Knut S.
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Sudanic Africa
Volume:	7
Pages:	5-23
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zanzibar
Subjects:	ulema Islamic law property rights historical sources History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Bibliography/Research
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/25653280
Abstract:	Scattered among the Arabic books and manuscripts section of the Zanzibar Archives are a number of books written by, or which contain ownership of 'waqfiyya' notices written by, various members of the Mundhir¯i family. The Mundhir¯is were cultivated scholars through at least three generations, who not only collected and endowed manuscripts, but also wrote them. The family was established in the Malindi quarter of Zanzibar city before Sayyid Sa'¯id b. Sul.t¯an finally settled on the island in 1832. 'Al¯i b. Mu.hammad al-Mundhir¯i did most to establish and consolidate the 'waqf' of books. Although only fragments of his work survive, what we do have gives much information about the intellectual climate in Zanzibar at the end of the 19th century. A list of titles included in the 'waqf' is included in the article. Notes, ref.