Mixed Messages: Using the Bible and Qur'ān in Swahili Tracts: (51 Studies of Religion in Africa)

The present volume sets Swahili religious tracts available in Kenya and Tanzania in their context. The book starts with an overview of tracts in Swahili from the 19th century to the present day, an examination of Swahili as a religious language, and an introduction to Swahili versions of the Bible and Qurʾān. Chesworth then introduces the range of tracts currently available, examining eight in detail. In particular he considers how they present scripture in order to promote their own faith, Islam or Christianity, whilst denigrating the ‘other’. Finally, the volume discusses the impact from modern media on these tracts.

Table of Contents:
Foreword List of Tables, Figures and Maps 1Introduction  1 Start of Interest in Tracts  2 Interaction and Outreach of the Two Faiths  3 Data Collection  4 Background of Islam and Christianity in Kenya and Tanzania  5 Demography  6 Kenya  7 Tanzania  8 Islam  9 Christianity  10 Relations between Christians and Muslims  11 ‘Crusades’ and Mihadhara  12 Christian Outreach  13 Muslim Outreach  14 Mjadala (Discussion)  15 Tracts  16 Historical Background to Tracts  17 Collection of Tracts  18 Criteria for Selection of Tracts  19 Categories of Selected Tracts  20 Outline of Book Part 1: Tracts and Translation in East Africa 2Early Christian Tracts in East Africa  1 The First Christian Tracts in East Africa  2 Support from SPCK and RTS for Work in East Africa  3 SPCK  4 RTS and Msafiri  5 UMCA  6 W.E. Taylor and Raha Isiyo Karaha 3Christian Tracts in East Africa during the Twentieth Century  1 Tracts from Lutheran Missionary Societies in Deutsch Ostafrika  2 Christian Outreach at the End of the Colonial Period  3 Planning for the Future  4 Christian Outreach Post-Independence 4Muslim Tracts in East Africa during the Twentieth Century  1 Muslim Outreach at the Time of Independence  2 New Methods of Muslim Outreach 5Swahili as a Religious Language  1 Introduction  2 Standardising Swahili  3 Christian Missionaries’ Translational Labours Part 2: Muslim and Christian Tracts 6Tracts in Current Circulation in East Africa  1 Criteria for Selection of the Tracts to Be Examined  2 Purpose of Composition  3 Language of Composition  4 The Use of Scripture  5 Analysis of Selected Tracts  6 The Original Language of Composition  7 Title and Subject Matter  8 Authors of Tracts  9 Use of Scripture 7Using Scripture to Refute the Other’s Faith  1 Uislamu Katika Biblia  2 Isa (Yesu Kristo) Ndani ya Kurani na Biblia 8Jesus in the Qurʾān Al-Māʾida (5):112–20  1 Maisha ya Nabii Isa (Alahais Salam)  2 Hapana! Dini ya Kristo Haijabatalishwa 9Testimonies of Converts  1 Kwa Nini Niliacha Ukristo na Nikawa Muislamu  2 Kutafuta Uhakika 10Teaching Those of Your Own Faith  1 Uislamu ni Njia Sahihi ya Maisha  2 Je Roho Mtakatifu ndiye yule Msaidizi? 11Concluding Remarks Appendix 1: Passages from Different Versions of the Bible and Qurʾān Appendix 2: Copy of Sisi ni Wasomaji wa kudumu … (We Are Constant Readers), with English Translation Glossary Bibliography Index

About the Author :
John A. Chesworth, PhD (2008) in Religious Studies, University of Birmingham, is Research Officer for Christian-Muslim Relations. A Bibliographical History 1500-1900 (CMR) at the University of Birmingham. He has published on Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa, and co-edited CMR volumes 6-14 and 16-20 (Brill, 2014-22).