Cherished Memories of Africa — Page 164
146 Gambia belong to this sect. The followers of this Tariqa have split into several small groups. Some of the well-known khalifas and their centres are in Kaolack. One of them was Abdoulaye Niass. After his death, the group has split into two groups – one with its centre in Madina Baye Niass and the other in Yasan in the same city; the former is more powerful. Chenab,Madina gounas ,Nioro and tiwaoun are centres of other Tijani khalifas. Considering the number of its followers, the sect has the potential to be the strongest group in the country, but because of mutual differences and internal rift they have failed to get the political influence in the country. Mode of Teaching in Religious Schools Parents hand over their children to the Arabic teachers. The children lit up a bonfire, by burning a heap of wood, sit around it and memorise their lessons. Their book consists of a plank of wood on which the teacher writes chapters of the Holy Quran, which the students memorise loudly, and rocking back and forth, as we memorised the multiplication charts at the primary schools; rocking more than memorising! With dawn approaching, all the students spread out in groups carrying their bowls, knock at every door and call out loudly, (in the name of Allah). Whatever the householder gives them is presented to the teacher honestly. Any student who does not present the specified cash or commodity to the teacher because of his negligence is held accountable. Arabic Teachers The students do not learn much over a long period but perform