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Title:Islam and national integration in the Sudan
Author:An-Na'im, Abdullahi A.ISNI
Book title:Religion and national integration in Africa: Islam, Christianity, and politics in the Sudan and Nigeria
Year:1992
Pages:11-37
Language:English
Geographic term:Sudan
Subjects:Christianity
Islam
nation building
Islamic law
politics
Shari'a
Abstract:This paper addresses one aspect of national integration in the Sudan, namely the theme of equality among all members of the nation-to-be. In particular, it focuses on the threat to legal equality of all Sudanese posed by the recent application of Islamic Sharia law. After a brief explanation of the concept of national integration, the author outlines the process of Islamization in the northern Sudan and highlights the generally moderate and tolerant nature of the northern Sudanese Muslim population. Next, attention is paid to the debate on the role of religion in public life since independence, particularly stressing the public law aspects of Sharia. This is followed by an examination of the background to the sudden and arbitrary imposition of Sharia in 1983 by former President Nimeiri and its impact on the national debate. An examination of the transitional situation since the overthrow of Nimeiri in 1985 shows that, so long as the northern parties remain committed to Sharia, there is no chance for national integration. But is Sharia the only valid interpretation of Islam today? The author suggests that the Sudan may be the best candidate for the articulation and implementation of an Islamic reformation. In a postscript he discusses the implications for the preceding discussion of the developments since 30 June 1989, when the military again seized power. Notes, ref.
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