Malaika and the Seven Heavens explores Toyin Falola’s personal journey with Islam, beginning with his early years in Ibadan, Nigeria. Growing up in environments where Islam coexisted with traditional African religions and later living in a predominantly Christian country, he witnessed the complexities of cultural and religious diversity. In this memoir, Falola shares stories of deep understanding, personal development, and the beauty of a faith that transcends language, nationality, and culture.
 
Although faith is a lifelong journey, Falola identifies key moments in his upbringing that shaped his perception of faith, such as observing Islamic prayers, witnessing the significance of pilgrimage, engaging with spiritual leaders, and interacting with both Muslims and non-Muslims. By blending personal observations and reflections with the broader historical and cultural contexts of Islam, the book provides a unique perspective on the lived experiences of Muslims. In addition, Falola’s comparative perspective on the interaction of Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion illustrates how these faiths influence and coexist with one another. Chapters explore firsthand experiences at madrasahs, Islamic education, the influence of Islamic music on Yoruba culture, the historical importance of places like Oja Oba in Ibadan, the role of women in Islam, the intersection of traditional medicine with Islamic healing practices, and the broader social and political implications of Islam in Nigerian cities such as Ilorin and Lagos. Ultimately, Malaika and the Seven Heavens aims to foster a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity, inspire meaningful conversations that bridge cultural divides, and enrich our collective knowledge.

Toyin Falola is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the recipient of over thirty lifetime career awards, including twenty honorary doctorates. His more than fifty previous books include A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt: An African Memoir (2004) and Counting the Tiger’s Teeth: An African Teenager’s Story (2014).