Islam in Nigeria
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: نيجيريا والإسلام (Nigeria wa al-Islam)
- Turkish: Nijerya’da İslam
Overview
Nigeria’s population is roughly split between Christians and Muslims. The landscape of Nigerian Muslim religious identity is highly diverse, encompassing various Islamic traditions and orientations.
Religious Diversity
Sufi Brotherhoods
Sufi brotherhoods, most notably the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya orders, have a significant following.
- Tijaniyya: Founded by Ahmad al-Tijani in the 18th century, prominent in West Africa.
- Qadiriyya: Network tracing its spiritual lineage to Abdul-Qadir Gilani, influential across the Islamic world.
Legalist Movements
- Anti-Innovation Legalists: Groups that emphasize traditional interpretations of Islamic law and practice, often critical of innovations (bid’ah) in religious practices.
- Historical Context: Stemming from debates within Islamic jurisprudence, aimed at purifying and preserving Islamic orthodoxy.
Caliphal/Medina Model Adherents
These groups earnestly seek to emulate the governance and societal models of early Islamic caliphal periods, focusing on applying Sharia law and establishing an Islamic state.
Women’s Groups and National Organizations
There are numerous women-led Islamic organizations and national bodies that contribute to the religious and socio-economic fabric of Nigeria.
- Examples: Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.
Political and Historical Context
Return to Civilian Rule
- In 1999, Nigeria transitioned from military to civilian rule with the election of Christian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Muslim Vice-President Atiku Abubaker.
- Significance: This period marked increased political freedoms compared to prior military regimes, although issues like corruption and human rights abuses persisted.
Sharia Law Adoption
- In early 2000, several northern states—where Muslims are the majority—announced the adoption of Sharia law, leading to significant intercommunal rioting and tensions.
Key Historical Figures
- Uthman dan Fodio
- Scholarly figure who initiated a large Sufi-led Islamic revival in the early 19th century.
- His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate in northern Nigeria.
- Sokoto Caliphate
- One of West Africa’s most powerful pre-colonial Islamic states, considerably influencing the region’s religious landscape.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Islam and the Muslim Community in Nigeria
- The Sokoto Caliphate and its Legacy
- Religions and Beliefs in Nigeria
Takeaways
- Diversity: The Islamic community in Nigeria is diverse, spanning several ideological and organizational spectra.
- Political Dimensions: Religion plays a significant role in Nigeria’s political scene, especially visible in its legal and communal conflicts.
- Historical Legacy: Famous movements and figures such as Uthman dan Fodio and his Sokoto Caliphate significantly shaped the Islamic character of Nigeria.
Conclusion
Islam in Nigeria embodies a breadth of traditions and practices, influencing everything from daily life to national politics. Understanding this complex religious dynamic offers rich insights into Nigeria’s broader socio-political fabric and its role in Islamic history.
