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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The historical impact of Islam and its future prospects in Africa: A case study of Sudan and Nigeria
Author:Smith, Hawthorne Emery
Year:1988
Periodical:Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs
Volume:9
Issue:2
Period:July
Pages:311-330
Language:English
Geographic terms:Sudan
Nigeria
Africa
Subjects:Islamic history
History and Exploration
Religion and Witchcraft
conversion
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/02666958808716085
Abstract:This paper examines the history of Islam in Africa, arguing that Islam has had both a positive and a negative impact. Where it adapted itself and conformed to African sensibilities and cultures, it was a positive, unifying force; where it was imposed upon African people, and their cultures were pressured to adapt to it, it has proved a divisive element with tragic consequences. Nigeria and Sudan are taken as case studies, and the history of both countries is traced from ancient times and the advent of Islam through colonialism and independence to the current situation. The survey shows that Islamic expansion was most successful in West Africa during the 11th-16th centuries. The strategy was to live among people in peace and let the example of the Muslim way of life, coupled with religious teaching, be the prime force to convert people. Where this strategy was no longer applied, Islam lost its appeal. Ultimately, Islam has been as often a source of strength as a source of division. Bibliogr., ref.
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