Thierno Abdourahmane Bah (1916-2013) was one of the most prominent intellectual and spiritual figures of Fouta-Djallon in the 20th century. A distinguished Islamic scholar, bilingual poet in Arabic and Pular, and respected political figure, he played a central role in preserving and advancing Fulani culture in Guinea. Born into a family of renowned scholars, he received a rigorous traditional education before holding key positions, including Grand Khalifa of the Tidjaniya Sufi order for West Africa, Guinea’s Minister of Religious Affairs, and imam of several major mosques.
His extensive literary work, encompassing poetry, religious texts, and writings on contemporary society, reflects his unique ability to blend Islamic tradition, Fulani culture, and modernity. His contributions to education, literature, and religious life, along with his unwavering commitment to the development of his region, made him a revered figure whose influence continues to resonate far beyond his passing in 2013.
Introduction
Thierno Abdourahmane Bah (1916-2013) was one of the most influential figures of Fouta-Djallon in the 20th century. A distinguished Islamic scholar, talented poet, and respected political figure, he left a profound impact on Guinea’s cultural, religious, and social life. His bilingual literary works in Arabic and Pular, along with his unwavering commitment to education and regional development, established him as a pillar of modern Fulani culture.
Early Life and Education
Born around 1916 in Donghol Thiernoya, in the Labé region of Guinea, Thierno Abdourahmane Bah grew up in an environment steeped in Islamic culture and Fulani traditions. He was the second-to-last of nine sons of Thierno Aliou Boûbha-Ndiyan, a renowned Islamic scholar whom colonial observer Paul Marty described as "an outstanding Arabic scholar." His mother, Nênan Maryama Fadi Diallo, also passed down a rich cultural heritage.
His early education took place at his father’s Quranic school, where he was immersed in a rigorous learning atmosphere. Evenings were dedicated to Quranic recitations and poetry, fostering the young Abdourahmane’s intellectual awakening. By the age of eleven, he had already mastered Quranic reading and writing, along with several fundamental Islamic texts.
After his father’s passing in 1927, he continued his studies under Thierno Oumar Pereedjo in Dara-Labé from 1927 to 1935. This period was crucial in shaping his scholarly development, allowing him to deepen his knowledge of Arabic grammar, Islamic law, theology, and other religious disciplines. During these years, he also displayed his early poetic talents, composing in both Arabic and Pular.
Literary Works
Thierno Abdourahmane Bah’s literary output was both rich and diverse, encompassing poetry and prose in Arabic and Pular. His writings not only reflected his deep religious scholarship but also his social engagement and dedication to his culture.
Works in Arabic
His Arabic works include the collection Banaatu Afkaarii ("The Fruits of My Thoughts"), printed in Kuwait, which features poems he began composing at the age of thirteen. The collection contains praises for prominent Arab personalities such as Gamal Abdel Nasser and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, as well as personal texts like his tribute to his teacher Thierno Oumarou Pereedjo.
Two other major Arabic poetry works, Maqalida-As-Saadati ("The Keys to Happiness") and Jilada Mada Fii Hizbi Al-Qahhar, showcase his mastery of the Takhmisu poetic technique, in which he expanded upon existing poems into five-line stanzas.
Works in Pular
His literary contributions in Pular, primarily poetic, reflect his deep commitment to his culture and society. Initially circulated as loose-leaf manuscripts, his poems address a wide range of themes, from patriotism to contemporary social issues.
Some of his most significant Pular works include Fuuta Hettii Bhuttu ("Hymn to Fouta"), Lagine Rindhii (on Guinea’s independence), and various didactic poems about his homeland and the wonders of his time. His poetry is notable for its linguistic innovation, as he boldly integrated adapted French terms to describe modern realities.
Public Life
Thierno Abdourahmane Bah’s public career was particularly rich and diverse. From 1945 until his retirement, he held numerous administrative, political, and religious positions.
In politics, he served as deputy mayor of Labé (1956-1959) and held several district command posts between 1963 and 1976. His political engagement culminated in his appointment as Guinea’s Minister of Religious Affairs (1984-1987).
On the religious front, he was elected in 1950 as the Grand Khalifa of the Tidjaniya Sufi order for West Africa and served as the imam of several major mosques, including the Labé Grand Mosque and the Fayçal Mosque in Conakry. He was also vice-president of the International Academy of Islamic Law.
Personal Life
Although available sources remain discreet about his personal life, it is known that Thierno Abdourahmane Bah led a simple life, adhering to the Islamic principles he preached. He was renowned for his wisdom and generosity, dedicating much of his time to teaching and serving his community.
Passing and Legacy
Thierno Abdourahmane Bah passed away on September 22, 2013, in Labé, at the age of 97. He was buried the following day in the family estate near the Grand Mosque of Karamoko Alpha Mo Labé, a symbolic location reflecting the significance of his spiritual and cultural legacy.
Conclusion
Thierno Abdourahmane Bah perfectly embodied the synthesis of tradition and modernity that characterizes the evolution of Fulani society in the 20th century. His literary works, political engagement, and religious leadership profoundly shaped Fouta-Djallon and Guinea as a whole. His ability to merge traditional knowledge with contemporary realities, along with his unwavering commitment to education and regional development, makes him an exemplary figure whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
