Traditional Swahili poetry: an investigation into the concepts of East African Islam as reflected in the Utenzi literature

The author endeavor to reconstruct the beliefs and convictions of the Swahili from their traditional literature, which is still a living tradition and a source of enlightenment to them as it is often quoted, and recited on special occasions. The texts are given in some lenght to provide evidence for the description of mentality and popular conceptions. They also compose an anthology of some of the finest places of Swahili poetry. Introduction – Swahili culture-God, the creation, Adam and Eve-the epic of Heraklios-The Legend of Miiraji-The resurrection (Rev.: Swahili, Jl.Inst.Sw.Research, 1968, 38/1, p.100/06 by J.W.T.A(llen); Afr.St., 1970, 1, p.73/4 by L. Harries)