Poetry at the service of dialogue: a Muslim preacher makes faith and tolerance rhyme in Kenya

On Lamu, a historic island in the coastal archipelago of Kenya, Professor Mohamed Shariff Mzee, known as Tantawy, embodies an open and welcoming Islam. At 60, this father of nine children has built a unique reputation by combining religious preaching and poetry, thus reaching Muslims and non-Muslims.

This passion for poetry comes from his family. His uncle, Sheikh Ahmad Msallama, was a renowned poet from the coastal region who introduced him to this art. For Tantawy, poetry is not just an ornament: it is part of the Koranic tradition itself. “An Arabic word, to be correctly used, must find its reference in the Koran, the Hadiths or Arabic poetry,” he explains.

His reputation goes far beyond the borders of his native village of Kizingitini. In the mosques where he preaches, worshipers are captivated by his unique style. “Impossible to doze off during his sermons,” confides Khamis Ali, a regular. “His poetic way of transmitting the message keeps us awake and attentive throughout his teachings.”

What is striking about him is his open-mindedness. “He interacts with everyone in the streets, without discrimination, always ready to analyze religious issues by mixing poetry,” says Simon Charo, a non-Muslim resident of Lamu. This religious tolerance and his inclusive approach earned him the esteem of the entire community.

His nickname, given by an Egyptian scholar impressed by his early mastery of the Quran, became better known than his original name. A beautiful illustration of how poetic creativity can serve interreligious dialogue and living together.