| This paper argues that the Mouride Brotherhood's approach to economic development is an alternative to the external resource paradigm, the dominant model for economic development in low-income countries. The Mouride model is one that integrates the theories of migration, human and social capital, resource mobilization and the Islamic Principle of Work.;The Mouride Brotherhood is a popular Sufi Order in Senegal. It obtained widespread notoriety after successfully cultivating groundnuts during French colonial rule. The Brotherhood's economic success can be attributed to the teachings of Sheikh Amadu Bamba, the founder of the Order. He incorporated in his teachings a work ethic that reflects the Islamic Principle of Work.;In 1960, a downward trend in Senegal's national economy forced many of the Mourides to flee the countryside and migrate to Dakar and other urban areas where they became traders. By 1980 and with continued economic problems as a result of the Senegalese Government adopting structural adjustment programs, many of the Mourides traders began to migrate again. Some made their way to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area in search of economic wealth.;Many of the migrant disciples who migrated to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area embraced the movement as a form of investment. Thus, they relied heavily on the social network, Khadimou Rassoul Foundation. This organization helps them assimilate into the America way of life while by helping them maintain their cultural identity. Khadimou Rassoul Foundation also assists the migrants with economic development in Touba, the capital city of the Brotherhood. To date, they have contributed to a number of projects that includes the Khelcom Project, an agri-business initiative; the construction of the Matlaboal Fawzeymi Hospital; the renovation of Sheikh Amadu Bamba's Mother's House, Mama Monjara House; and Dara's or Quranic schools. |
