Religious integration and religious tension among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria: syncretism in the practice of Islam

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Religious integration and religious tension among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria: syncretism in the practice of Islam
Author:	Musa, Adeniyi
Year:	2010
Periodical:	Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies (ISSN 0030-5596)
Volume:	42
Issue:	1
Pages:	164-178
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Yoruba interreligious relations syncretism Islam
Abstract:	Yorubaland in southwestern Nigeria can be described as a religious melting pot. It is a region where traditional religious practices co-exist with Islam and Christianity and where new religions have been syncretized with aspects of indigenous religion. However, there are also some areas of religious tension among the Yoruba. This article outlines the introduction and spread of Islam in Yorubaland, syncretism and religious integration among Yoruba Muslims, and aspects of religious tension in Yorubaland. The latter include the way in which traditional festivals are celebrated, the limitations on the movements of people, especially women, at certain times during festivals, the extension of traditional religious celebrations to areas of Muslim domination, and the emergence of militant religious groups. Notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]