Sankofa: A Symbolic Reflection on the Past for a Successful Future

We study the Sira of Muhammad (pboh) and the Sunnah in order to craft a viable future, this approach is the essence of Sankofa

A reflection by Mahmoud Andrade Ibrahim

The Sankofa bird, originating from the Akan tribe in Ghana, holds profound symbolism within African and African-American cultures. The term "Sankofa" translates to "to retrieve" and is often associated with the proverb, "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." This powerful imagery and philosophy emphasize the significance of learning from the past to inform and shape a more successful and enlightened future. Within the African-American Muslim and African Diaspora context, the Sankofa bird represents an essential framework for understanding history, addressing cultural identity, and fostering personal and communal growth. The concept of Sankofa is utilized as a valuable tool for reflecting on the past to navigate current challenges and opportunities, particularly within educational settings and community building.

As a Symbol
The Sankofa bird is traditionally depicted with its head turned backward while its feet face forward, often grasping an egg in its mouth. This image beautifully conveys the idea of reflecting on the past (the bird looking backward) while moving into the future (the feet moving forward), with the egg symbolizing potential and new life. The bird's posture encapsulates the delicate balance between honoring tradition, acknowledging historical experiences, and embracing change and innovation. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Sankofa bird serves as a poignant reminder that progress is not solely about moving forward but also about carrying forward the lessons learned from past experiences.

The Relevance of Sankofa in the African-American and African Diaspora Context

For many African-American and African Diaspora communities, the Sankofa bird embodies a crucial lens through which to view their unique historical trajectories. From the transatlantic slave trade to the civil rights movement, the history of African Diaspora people is marked by resilience, struggle, and triumph. Sankofa inspires individuals to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices made by those who came before them, to meditate on the structural injustices and cultural erosion faced by their ancestors, and to take these lessons to heart when addressing modern-day challenges.

How is Sankofa relevant to Black American Muslims ?

Sankofa's message emphasizes the importance of understanding one's roots. In a world where cultural identity can be fragmented and diluted due to globalization and assimilation, revisiting and reclaiming African American and ancient African traditions and values through the Sankofa lens becomes vital. This process fosters a strong sense of identity and pride, empowering individuals and communities to celebrate their heritage and cultural narratives.

For Black American Muslims, using the principle of Sankofa serves as a foundational framework to encourage us to engage deeply with history and critical thinking.

Drawing inspiration from the Sankofa bird, individuals and communities are encouraged to think innovatively about creating future opportunities while grounded in the knowledge and understanding of past lessons as is provided for us within the Sira and the Sunnah of our Most Beloved (pboh). By looking back and reflecting on historical successes and failures, individuals can draw upon ancestral wisdom alongside contemporary insights to chart new paths forward in fields such as technology, arts, governance, and social justice.


The Sankofa bird's symbolism underscores a timeless and universal truth: that the past holds keys to understanding the present and unlocking the potential of the future. For Muslims within the African-American and African Diaspora communities, this ancient wisdom remains an empowering tool for navigating identity, fostering educational growth, and building strong and resilient communities. As a vibrant emblem of reflection and renewal, the Sankofa bird inspires us to embrace our histories, learn from them, and soar toward a future rich with promise and potential. By embodying the Sankofa philosophy, we affirm the belief that it is never wrong to go back for that which we have forgotten, and in doing so, we pave the way for a legacy of hope, innovation, and transformation.