Islamic culture and Muslim identity in Zinder, Niger: a historical perspective

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Periodical article

Title:	Islamic culture and Muslim identity in Zinder, Niger: a historical perspective
Author:	Glew, Robert S.
Year:	1998
Periodical:	Islam et sociétés au Sud du Sahara
Issue:	12
Pages:	129-146
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Niger
Subjects:	Islamic history Sufism
Abstract:	In Zinder (Niger), Islam is a resource that has always been contested, as a historical perspective demonstrates. Since the mid-19th century, Islam has been contested by 'sarki'-s ('sarki' is the Hausa word for sultan), by advisors to the 'sarki', by members of the Qadiriyya, Tijaniyya and Sanussiyya, who sought to establish and develop large, well organized centres in Zinder, and even by the French. In the 1950s followers of Ibrahim Niasse attempted to establish a centre in Zinder. As in the case of previous such attempts, the 'sarki' was unreceptive. At the end of the 20th century, reformers are attempting to redefine Islam as they challenge Islamic practice and Muslim identity as defined by the 'malamai' (Koranic scholars) and majority Muslims in Zinder. Always present in the debate are the 'bokaye' (traditional healers) and those who continue to incorporate local practices into their practice of Islam. Bibliogr., notes, ref.