Description

This Book titled ‘Islam in Yorubaland: History, Education and Culture is conceived by the Muslim Ummah of South-west Nigeria (MUSWEN). The Book which is a product of “The International Conference on Islam in Yorubaland’ held on Saturday 6th October 2018 (Sabt 26th Muharram 1440

AH) is written to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of MUSWEN as an umbrella body for all Muslims in the South-western Nigeria as represented by the State Muslim Councils/Communities and Muslim Organisations and Institutions domiciled in the six states of the region. The uniqueness of the book lies in the fact that it is written by experienced Muslim scholars in diverse disciplines relevant to the subject matter viz History, Arabic Islamic Studies, Sociology, Economics, Law, and Education among others. Having been written by the Muslims themselves, the book provides ample opportunity for scholars to dig deep into the history of Islam and provide unbiased perspectives on the preeminent position of Islam in South-west Nigeria and thereby correct misconceptions and distortions of the non- Muslim historians.

The 22-Chapter Book is segmented into four parts: Part one deals with History of Islam in Yorubaland. The section corrects the erroneous notion that Islam was spread to the region by force. Part two discusses Education. The section rightly establishes the fact that Arabic and Islamic learning predated English literacy in the region. Section three which deals with culture, presents Islam as a complete way of life covering polity, economy, sociology, ethics, law, etc.

The last section examines the contemporary issues including the Shariah question and Muslim- Christian relations.

As a specialist in the twin disciplines of Arabic and Islamic Studies myself, and having carefully perused the work, I have no doubt in my mind that the Book satisfies the objective in view for putting it together. It is well structured and the presentation is lucid. I commend the piece not only for the specialists in the related disciplines but also to the general readers who would find it interesting and refreshing.

Professor D.O.S. Noibi, Ph.D., FISN, OBE

Executive Secretary,

Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria