Prominent Islamic scholars have highlighted political and economic disparities, alongside corruption, as significant factors driving the rise of violent Islamic movements across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The discussion, streamed on various social media platforms, television, and online radio stations, featured distinguished scholars with expertise in Islam in Africa.
Addressing the theme “Islam in Africa,” during the Toyin Falola Interview Series, Professor Cheikh Anta Babou from the University of Pennsylvania stated the evolving nature of Islamic radicalism in the region.
He argued that contemporary Islamic movements are more influenced by political and economic circumstances than religious doctrine, noting the disillusionment of former Marxist and Maoist leaders who found resonance in radical Islamic ideologies due to their focus on social change.
Professor Yahya Sseremba, a research fellow at Makarere Institute of Social Research, delved into the historical impact of colonial intervention on Islamic practices in Uganda.
He highlighted the state’s reluctance to define Mohammedan law, leading to Muslim communities governing themselves autonomously in various aspects of their affairs, including Islamic education and family matters.
Professor Fatima Seedat, Head of Department of African Feminist Studies at the University of Cape Town, raised concerns about gender inequality within Islamic family law in Africa.
She recounted instances where women faced injustice due to unilateral Islamic marriage contracts, advocating for reforms to empower female subjects within Muslim societies.
Professor M. Oloyede AbdulRahmon, an expert in Arabic literature at the University of Ibadan, called on Nigeria’s Federal Government to intervene in the Madrassa school system to prevent the recruitment of young people into extremist groups.
He emphasized the importance of radical reforms to integrate Arabic education into the national curriculum.
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Islamic scholar and Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of Ghana, traced Islam’s role in the development of Ghana as a nation.
The interactive session, which attracted over 2 million viewers, underscored the urgent need to address the underlying socio-economic challenges fueling the spread of violent Islamic movements in Sub-Saharan Africa
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