Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the gradual spread of Islam in Africa was based on the various cross-cultural contacts with Moslem traders; however, a significant number of Africans did not become Moslem until well into the 20th century, which often was based on practical matters and not theology. The author points out that, although the idea of Islam and state government being separate is the opposite of what the religion teaches, often there is separation, to one extent or another, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the many tribal alliances, such as the Hausa, are at least as important as religion. The paper relates that often the problem between Moslem and Christians, as in the case of Nigeria, is that borders between countries were often drawn by European colonists without regard for the local people thus both tribes and religions cross state lines resulting in a complex web of alliances.

Table of Contents
Introduction: Islamic Law
History of Islam in Africa
Islam in Present-Day Africa

From the Paper:

"The Hausa of both Niger and Nigeria practiced this custom. However, while Western countries originally divided the Hausa, now it is Shari'a that has divided the group, because the regional government ruling the Hausa in Nigeria has declared that the elaborate practices surrounding praise-singing violate Shari'a. Praise-singing is now a crime in that part of Nigeria. While the Hausa on both sides of the border are Muslim, the two governments - Niger, and the regional government of northern Nigeria - have interpreted Shari'a differently, causing a divide between the once united Hausa."

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