ASSESSMENT OF THE INTRODUCTION AND GROWTH OF ISLAM AMONG JUKUN PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN TARABA, NIGERIA

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ASSESSMENT OF THE INTRODUCTION AND GROWTH OF ISLAM AMONG JUKUN PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN TARABA, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The research titled Assessment of the Advent and Development of Islam among Jukun People in Southern Taraba, Taraba State Nigeria. It is aimed at examining the historical account on the advent of Islam among Jukun people and to assess the impact of Islam on their lives among others. In order to attain the aforementioned goals, the researcher adopted

Survey research methodology using questionnaire and interview. For the questionnaires; the Researcher distributed three hundred and eighty four 384 while three hundred and seventy two372 out of it were successfully retrieved. More than 30 Literatures, published, unpublished thesis and dissertations etc, were reviewed for the purpose of the study. The researcher discovered that most of the Jukun people and their related ethnic group in Southern Taraba State hold a view that Islam came to stay among the Jukun people by the efforts of Islamic Scholars who were from Kano and as well Katsina and certainly, Islam has  impacted their lives politically, socially, economically and  spiritually. Lastly, the researcher recommends that; there is urgent need for the Scholars within the area and those outside to educate the Muslims on the true Islamic teachings as exhibited during the life time of the Prophet (SAW) and to advice Muslim organizations to re-establish more centres in order to affirm their errand effectively.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All praises and thanks are due to Allah (SWT) the Omnipotent, the Omniscient and the

Omnipresent. Complete blessings and salutation to the noble Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) members of his family and those who have followed him till the Day of resurrection. This study is designed to analyse the history of the advent and development of Islam into Jukunland what is now referred to as Wukari Federation or Southern Zone of Taraba State within the middle Benue Region in Nigeria. Certainly, Islam being the universal Religion has influence over nations around the globe. Its Advent and Development sail together looking at the nature of its propagation and how it penetrated into different states. Thus, Islamic mission begins in Makkah when Allah (S.W.T) favoured His Messenger (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) with guidance and a mission to set up an ideal religion and ideal society in the world. Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) became a Prophet and at that time aged forty (611 C.E.). However, most historical accounts portrayed how the itinerant scholars used the opportunity in trade to propagate and preach the messages of Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) in towns and villages. Perhaps, the first serious attempt to expand Islam in Africa is credited to Uqba bin Nafi‟ who is revered to this day as the founder of Muslim Africa (Rahim, 2001).   

Besides, Scholars have written alot on how Islam came to Nigeria and how it spread into Kanem-Borno, Hausaland, Yorubaland, Nupeland and non-Muslim Dominated Areas of Northern Nigeria among others, how it spread into Jukunland will not be an exception. Therefore, scholars with divergence views have written on

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the advent of Islam into Jukunland itself. However, some scholars credited the advent of Islam into Jukunland to Malam Sambo and Dikko whom were Hausas from Kano as well as Katsina, Some also credited it to a group of kanuris whom were certainly the merchants, others credited it to craftsmen among others.

Subsequently, the Jukun people settled and scarttered in many places of the defunct northern Nigeria region particularly, places like; Yakasai in Kano, Tudun Jukun and Kubanni in Zaria town, they settled in Keffi, Keana and Doma in

Nasarawa State respectively. It also extended to Adi and Abinse in present day Benue state. Nevertheless, they settled in Kukawa of the present Borno State,

Pindiga in Gombe State, Wase in Plateau State, Kona in Jalingo, Damfar and

Kwararafa presently in Ibi and Wukari Local Government Areas respectively. Although, there are different information about the classification of Jukuns, their culture, political influence, war history and migrations, historically, most communities in the past migrated for the fear of war likewise the Jukuns. Perhaps, they came in contact with Muslims as far back as their settlement in Kwararafa. After the demise of Kwararafa, they relocated to Puje a place known to be for their traditional religious activities and they later migrated to Wukari (Cikan) in 17th century. Their long stay with Hausas particularly, those who were together from Kwararafa where they first settled and Malam Sambo and Dikko made the Hausas occupy important positions at the Aku Uka‟s palace like; Malam Bubba, whose duty was to pray for the King‟s victory in all his undertakings and for protection and peace of the Kingdom, Sarkin Hausawa, Mallam Agudu, Sangari, Sarkin Pawa,

Sarkin Kasuwa, Sarkin Makera, Abaka, Sankira and Sarkin Maharba respectively. The good relationship exhibited at the past created an avenue for Jukuns to develop more interest in any trasaction with Hausas (Muslims) than their close relative a traditionalist. Such trust brought about inter- Marriages among one another, significant number of converts into Islam not only among the poor families but rather the rulling class involved, perhaps, important personalities converted to Islam within the rulling families in Wukari, Donga, Takum and other towns. Moreso, having related for long, it probably generated them a mix-culture, the people around share so many things in common such as the Eids Festival and Ceremonies.

Nevertheless, the Abakwariga (Hausas) played a vital role in cultural games like; Garaza, Gaanni, Bori and Baawan Dodo mostly found in Wukari and same exhibited in Dampar and Kashin Bila in Ibi and Takum Local Government Areas respectively and other places of the Jukun settlement.

Considering the above factors, the research is designed to focus on the above mentioned topic.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Islam date of arrival into the various communities of Jukun in southern Taraba State was around 18th to fifth decade of the 19th century, while the introduction of Christianity to the Jukun people of southern Taraba State was closely related to the coming of the Sudan United Mission (S.U.M) in the fisrt decade of the 20th century. However, at present, it must be admitted that; despite the long-aged gap in respect of the advent and spread of the two religions (Islam and Christianity) among the Jukun people in the southern part of Taraba state, the growth of Islam in the area was seemed to be retarded. This in turn paved the way to the insinuation that the southern part of Taraba State belongs to the Christians, especially areas mostly dominated by the Jukun people. The above identified problems challenged the researcher to embark on this study “Assessment of the Advent and Development of Islam among Jukun People in Southern Taraba State, Nigeria”.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to assess the Advent and Development of Islam among Jukun People in southern Taraba State.

Specifically, the study sought to: 

  1. Examine the historical account on the advent of Islam among Jukun people in southern Taraba State;
  2. Ascertain the level of progress attained by Islam among Jukun people in southern Taraba State;
  3. Assess the impact of Islam on the Jukun people in southern Taraba State;
  4. Examine the influence of the Jukun‟s culture on the development of Islam in

southern Taraba State;

  1. Proffer solutions on how to address problems affecting the development of

Islam among the Jukun People in southern Taraba State.

 

 

1.4 Research Questions

In order to focus on the general question in a more specific manner, the following research questions were formulated for answering.

  1. How was Islam introduced among Jukun people in southern Taraba State?
  2. What is the level of development in the propagation and consolidation of Islamic faith among the Jukun people in southern Taraba State?
  3. What are the impacts of Islam on the lives of the Jukun people in southern Taraba State?
  4. To what extent did Jukun‟s culture influence the practice of Islam in southern

Taraba State?

  1. What are the solutions to the problems affecting the development of Islam among the Jukun people in southern Taraba State?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study is expected to be highly significant due to its theme because it is dealing with advent and development of Islam among the Jukun people, and also;    To assist Muslim Scholars with the knowledge of the Jukun people, their culture and history which will surely enhance the choice of the right approach in calling them to Islam;

  • To ameliorate the level of ignorance that engulf the area and provides good methodology to teach the native Muslims Jukun to practicalize the moderate teachings of Islam in their lives;
  • To be useful to the Students in the institutions of higher learning by providing relevant information related to the Jukun people, their relationship with other ethnic group around them and the nature of Islamic development in the area under study and for referencing in the libraries;
  • Important to the native Jukuns (Muslims, Christians and Pagans) for the fact that it will perhaps serve as a tool for them to understand their differences and maintain how to live in harmony with one another as Islam preached; Important to the Government at all levels to be acquainted with the Jukun‟s culture and to approach them rightly where necessary.

 

1.6 Scope/Delimitation of the Study

The study covers four (4) out of the five (5) Local Government Areas of the zone in Taraba State. In line with this, the result of the study carried out from the selected Local Government Areas namely: Donga, Ibi, Takum and Wukari which will be analysed across the zone as well as explore it positive impact on the entire life of Jukuns and other people of Wukari Division of Taraba State.

ASSESSMENT OF THE INTRODUCTION AND GROWTH OF ISLAM AMONG JUKUN PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN TARABA, NIGERIA

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