Religious Militancy and Self-assertion: Islam and Politics in Nigeria

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This major work is about the political impact of Islam in modern Nigeria. It argues that Islam is both a religious and political force in modern Nigeria and that there is a tiny Islamic elite who aims to impose a theocracy on the country. The book traces the origin of the creation of an Islamic identity and how, since the 1950s, this identity has been further strengthened and manipulated to control federal power. So successful is the use of Islam for power that the Christians have been instigated to fight back, thus unleashing a never ending religious rivalry.For its insights on the emergence of identity, the relationship between Islam and political power, and the relevance of Islam in Nigeria, there is no other book that can compare with this one. The authors are famous and are widely regarded as among the best analysts on religion in Africa.

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Contents

Religion and national integration
1
The old and the new Caliphates
29
Islam and political legitimation
49
Copyright

5 other sections not shown

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