Studying in Mauritania Mauritania
I wanted to share my experience of studying Arabic and Islamic sciences in Mauritania. It's important to understand that there's no set manual for this journey; it's a highly individual experience for everyone. Mauritania doesn't come with fixed rules or steps to follow; instead, it's a place where you create your own path of learning and growth.
Why did I choose Mauritania? Most people in the West might not even have heard of this country in the Sahara desert of West Africa. It's often considered one of the world's poorest nations, depending on how you define poverty. The landscape is dominated by the vast Sahara; there are no fancy resorts or lush greenery. But if your goal is to seek knowledge (ilm), there might be no better place to find it.
Mauritanian scholars are renowned masters of the Arabic language and are known for their incredible memory skills. Kids here often memorize the Quran by the age of 6 or 7. The sound of Quranic recitations fills the air day and night. They're also deeply knowledgeable about Maliki Fiqh, and Mauritania boasts experts in various fields of Islamic science.
Learning in Mauritania follows a distinct style. Most of it takes place in small villages, following a traditional approach. You sit in circles at the feet of a Sheikh in their house. The norm is to focus on mastering one book at a time, without rushing to complete it. Understanding is prioritized, and seeking help from fellow students is encouraged.
There's no rigid structure here; you won't be awakened for classes. It's on you to cultivate self-discipline and engage in self-study. Each day, I would jot down a few lines from the lesson (usually around 5 lines), and then approach the Sheikh, who would explain those lines for about 5 minutes. This meant I'd already tried to understand the lesson on my own or with peers before meeting the Sheikh. After the session, the rest of the day was dedicated to memorizing those lines. Some students chose to memorize before meeting the Sheikh, unless it involved the Quran. Some preferred grasping the concept first and then memorizing. Flexibility was key.
Education was individualized, with no classrooms or standardized tests. Students of all levels could start anytime. The Sheikh would spend about 5-10 minutes on one-to-one sessions, and sometimes, a few students shared a session. Revision was crucial, and students often revised lessons together throughout the day
Memorization was highly valued – from the Quran to Arabic to Fiqh. Some scholars even memorized extensive Hadith books like Sahih Muslim and Sahih al-Bukhari. Poetry was also a strong tradition, with scholars composing poems based on classical books to aid memorization.
However, Mauritania is not a beginner's paradise for learning Arabic. It's challenging, demanding determination and patience. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners, but for those looking to truly master the language, it's an excellent choice.
Apart from the learning, the people in Mauritania stood out. Mauritanians are incredibly polite and generous, especially in the circles of knowledge. I've encountered people who went out of their way to help without any expectations. This level of sincerity is rare.
But life here is tough. The desert environment tests your patience daily. The weather swings between scorching heat and cold, and sandstorms can obscure everything. From the moment I arrived, patience was challenged – from delayed baggage to dealing with officials seeking bribes. The desert's harshness is real, and it demands a simple and basic lifestyle. There's no consistent cellular network, and amenities are limited.
Living with family is a challenge; the inconveniences of the lifestyle changes can be tough. Women have limited learning resources in villages, relying on husbands or other female students. If you're planning to bring your family, sorting out accommodation in advance is wise.
In conclusion, Mauritania isn't for everyone. The desert life tests your endurance, but it's also an opportunity to experience a lifestyle close to that of the Sahabas. The value of learning from dedicated scholars is immense, and the generosity and manners of the people are remarkable. The journey isn't easy, but for those who are up for the challenge and have patience, it's an unparalleled experience of seeking knowledge and growth.