Kings, Prophets and the 'Ulama' in Mediaeval Islamic Advice Literature

Democracy and Prebendalism in Nigeria

“…A notable development was the rise of Islamic clerics (ulama) as an important group that could Islamically criticize sarauta institutions and values. In the history of Islamic societies globally, the ulama have usually exhibited two opposing political orientations: some belong to the ruling elite by serving as judges, ministers, councilors, scribes, and, of course, as religious functionaries and spiritual advisers to rulers; but others preferred to keep distance from the political arena by dedicating themselves to scholarship, teaching, and ministering to the religious needs of ordinary Muslims (Black 2001 ;Lambton 1981 ;Madelung 1980;Marlow 1995 ). Historians of Islam in West Africa identify "Suwarian tradition" with quietism and distance from rulers, and "Maghilian tradition" with activism in politics (Batrān 1973;Hiskett 1962 ;Hunwick 1985 ;Levtzion 1978 ;Sanneh 1976 ;Wilks 2000Wilks , 1968.…”