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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Islam in Sierra Leone: The Colonial Reaction and the Emergence of National Identity
Author:Sillah, Mohammed-Bassiru
Year:1994
Periodical:Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs
Volume:15
Issue:1-2
Period:January-July
Pages:121-143
Language:English
Geographic terms:Sierra Leone
Great Britain
Subjects:Islam
Islamic history
Church and State
colonialism
History and Exploration
Religion and Witchcraft
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
nationalism
Politics and Government
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/02666959408716312
Abstract:This study examines the role of Islam in Sierra Leone from the colonial period, which started in the beginning of the 19th century, up to the early 1990s. A brief history of the colonial period is followed by an examination of the struggle for independence and national politics after independence. Next, attention is paid to the role of Muslims in national politics during the colonial and postindependence periods. The author shows that Islamic institutions and ideas were not only used as mechanisms to unify the wider Muslim community, but were also utilized to integrate Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life and with different ethnic backgrounds. Many Muslims have contributed to the economic and social progress of the country. The British colonial government saw the popularity of Islam as a threat to Euro-Christian interests and responded to its dissemination accordingly. Despite colonial opposition to Islam, however, some Christians, such as Edward W. Blyden, who developed an interest in the establishment of Islamic schools, held Islam in high esteem and the faith has gained a strong ground in Sierra Leone. App., ref.
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