Islamic Culture and Muslim Identity in Zinder, Niger: A Historical Perspective

Title

Islamic Culture and Muslim Identity in Zinder, Niger: A Historical Perspective

list of authors

Robert S. Glew

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.

Journal

Islam et sociétés au sud du Sahara

issue

12

page start

129

page end

146

Date

1998

Language

Anglais

Type

Article de revue

Subject

Islamic culture

identity

Zinder

Identifier

Q116486752

iwac-reference-0000169

Spatial Coverage

Niger