How Does Umar Dehumanization

Justifying the Inhumane

Despite being brought up in a world we ourselves would consider inhuman, uncivil, and punishing, Shaihu Umar was a patient man that hundreds flocked to for wisdom and guidance. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s Shaihu Umar: A Novel about Slavery in Africa follows the story of a boy that grows to be a highly respected Muslim man that endured through a whirling childhood. Beyond the capturing storyline, Balewa’s novel reveals much about the past world found in Africa that allows the reader to leave the novel more aware of the culture, dispositions, and history of the time. Balewa’s novel depicts a past world in which dehumanization
When she tried to assert her freedom in the courts, the courts ruled she was to be a slave. Although false and unfair, she is content with the decision at hand. The overall slavery institution does not upset her nor deter her from her task at hand. Umar’s mother “continued as usual, and did not show any sign that she was upset” (69) when she was ruled to go with her new owner. The instances of Makau, Umar’s mother, and the court related decisions reveal how it became acceptable to receive unjust and inhuman rulings. The decisions of the courts became something to accept and live with. There was no overturning the decision that had been made. Therefore the inhuman treatment of people became that of something to be followed and was understood as fit and
Many times, characters accept large realities they faced with justifications of God, or as things God had brought them to. There was little anger or frustration with a situation at hand, knowing God’s hand is at work. Makau’s banishment does not cause him unrest and he even prays for his banishers that “God bring you safely out of the forest” (30). It is a true testament of faith to pray for one’s own enemies as Makau does here. Another instance later, Umar’s mother is grateful to have finally found her son. She exclaims “for many years now I have been seeking you, and at last God has brought us together” (74). Despite the enslavement and other cruelties she suffered, Umar’s mother is eternally grateful to have found her son after the years God put her through to do so. In both these situations, dehumanizing actions were justified and normalized through the Muslim religion. The idea of God deeming them to happen gives Makau and Umar’s mother a peace of