Untitled

This painting evokes the miracle executed by the spiritual guide Sheik Ahmadou Bamba from Senegal, West Africa.  The Sheik was deported into exile by French Colonists who were against the expansion of Islam in West Africa during the 18th century.  They would not allow him to pray on their boat as it would have offended them.  In a deliberate breech of faith, the colonists attempted to make him submit to the guide of the ship.  The Sheik knew that missing the prayer would constitute a sin, therefore, because of his faith and devotion to God he decided to lay the lambskin down on the water and pray.  The gazes of his enemies were filled with wonder and amazement.  Orthodox pure, he received from God the creator the supreme reward for his pious works, which was the gold mosque that the angel brought to him.  Sheik Ahmadou Bamba came back among his disciples after seven years of deprivation and exile.  This made him worthy of the title Khadimou Rassoul which means "the servant of the prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him)."