Evil forces and shirk among the Yoruba Muslims in Nigeria with special reference to Ilorin city

[摘要] The bedrock of Islam is the belief in the absolute unity of Allah, to declare it orally and back it up with deeds and practices. Any other belief, saying or action which negates the oneness of Allah is termed as shirk, associating partners with Allah. As important as this belief is in Islam, various occurrences and reasons have, all along, prompted Muslims of various communities and races into shirk of various kinds. One of the reasons by which the Yoruba Muslims of Nigeria commit one form of shirk or the other is their belief in the supernatural world. It is believed that some humans who have interactions with the unseen world use the opportunity to cause different harms and troubles to fellow human beings. In an attempt to shield oneself or family from such problems, different forms of shirk are committed either by the victims or their exorcists. It is against this background that this research work intends to explain the interactions between humankind and the unseen world as part of the major rationale behind the Yoruba Muslims’ engagements in various categories of shirk. It is believed that this research work will enlighten the Yoruba Muslims, especially the English speaking population, on the true influence of the supernatural world in their lives. The suggestions, recommendations and solutions proffered are expected to reduce their fears and discourage them from engaging in various forms of shirk.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion

[关键词] B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion;BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc