Though the majority of the Nigerian Muslim population is Sunni (60 million), there is a significant Shia minority (5-10 million), particularly in the northern states of Kano and Sokoto.[1]
Contents |
Shia Islam was "almost unknown" in Nigeria until the 1980s, when Ibraheem Zakzaky introduced a syncretic blend of Shia and Sunni Islam. Zakzaky's gained a following among those disenchanted with the political and religious establishment, and where commonly identified as shia (due to similarities with Khomeni's traditions).[2]
Members of the Nigerian Shia community have been persecuted in some cases, but in other cases have united with Nigerian Sunni in the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.[3] Cleric Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky is a primary figure in the movement.[4]
The state government of Sokoto has reacted to the rise of Shia Islam in the state by taking such measures as demolishing the Islamic Center in 2007[5][6]. Furthermore, clashes between Sunni and Shia residents followed the assassination of Imam Umaru Danmaishiyya, who was known for his fiery anti-Shia preaching[7][8].
|
|||||||||||