Religious Protest and Dissent in Northern Nigeria: From Mahdism to Qur'anic Integralism

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Periodical article

Title:	Religious Protest and Dissent in Northern Nigeria: From Mahdism to Qur'anic Integralism
Author:	Christelow, Allan
Year:	1985
Periodical:	Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs
Volume:	6
Issue:	2
Period:	July
Pages:	375-393
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Northern Nigeria Nigeria
Subjects:	Islam rebellions 1980 Religion and Witchcraft Ethnic and Race Relations Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) revival & reform
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/13602008508715949
Abstract:	In late December 1980, Kano, Nigeria, was rocked by major religious disturbances, at the center of which was a sect known popularly as the 'Yan Tatsine. The author presents an interpretation of the 'Yan Tatsine phenomenon, and in particular of the origins of the religious spark which set off the disturbances. It is based on a reading of the available evidence, conditioned by his own experience in Kano at the time, and by a comparative historical approach which situates the 'Yan Tatsine in the wider discussion of Islamic movements. Essential to an understanding of the origins of the spark, however, is the way in which the sect's charismatic leader, Mai Tatsine, and his followers, interpreted events. A chronological summary of the 'Yan Tatsine disturbances, 18-29 December 1980, is appended. Notes.