The penetration of Islam among the Babukusu, 1904-1998

Résumé 0

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.