The penetration of Islam among the Babukusu:1904 - 1998
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Date
1999-04
Authors
Kassilly, Janet Nasambu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study examines the penetration of Islam among the
Babukusu from 1904-1998. The persistence of Islam among a
predominantly rural people coupled with stiff competition
from Christianity and resistance by the indigenous religion
provoked this research. The study aimed at investigating
the agents and factors that facilitated and those that
hindered the penetration of Islam among the Babukusu; the
socio-cultural impact of Islam on the Babukusu; and the
factors behind the persistence of Islam among the Babukusu.
The study is based on the premises that: First, Muslim
traders and Babukusu concept of Supreme Being (Wele)
influenced the penetration of Islam among the Babukusu;
second, Christianity and Westernization are some of the
factors that hindered the penetration of Islam among the
Babukusu; third, Islamic manner of dressing, greetings and
language are some of the socio-cultural impact of Islam on
the Babukusu; and finally, the interrelationship between
faith and practice, and Da'wah are the main factors behind
the persistence of Islam among the Babukusu. These four
premises have been positively confirmed from our research
findings.
The enquiry is guided by the theoretical framework of
Islamization which has incorporated aspects of "Change and
Continuity" concept. The theory states that Islamization
depends entirely on the contact-situation between the Muslim
and the non-Muslim. Similarly whenever new influences
impinge on any society, some of the pre-existing body of
customs and beliefs are discardedr modified or retained.
Since our study deals with the interaction of two cultures,
this theory provided a model of thought to address the
objectives of the study. Basically I the central contention
of this thesis is that Islam has persisted among the
Babukusu up-to-date despite competition from Christianity
and resistance by the Babukusu indigenous religion.
It is observed in this thesis that when Islam reached
Babukusuland around 1904, its adoption depended on the
similarity between some of its beliefs and practices and
those of the indigenous religion. However, certain aspects
of Islam were resisted by the people. Inheritance rules are
an immediate example. After Islamr Christianity coupled
with Western education was introduced by missionaries and
later by British colonial administrators. Western education
as a means of economic prosperity attracted many Babukusu to
Christianity than Islam. Consequently, only few people
adopted Islam. Despite the interplay of the above factors
in the arear Islam has persisted among Babukusu up-to-date.
This therefore reveals that the contact - situation between
Islam and Babukusu indigenous religion was one of
penetration and not conquest.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts of Kenyatta University. April,1999