Abstract
The emergence of Maguzawa in Kano started with advent of Islam in the 14th century. The new faith was introduced through the medium of itinerant Muslim traders who came to Kano for the purpose to trade during the reign of Sarki Yaji (1349-1385). The religion was strengthened with the conversion of the King who ordered his subject to accept the new faith and made it a state religion. However, there was strict resistance by some people who retained their traditional belief system. These groups were later identified as Maguzawa (pagans) by the Muslims. Although there was some resistance, no significant exodus was recorded. But with the 19th century jihad led by Sheykh Uthman Bn. Fodio, a strict new system of administration was ushered in Kano based on Islamic theocracy. The new Islamic social order pressed the Maguzawa to leave the city and established pocket communities in the peripheries of Kano. In view of the aforementioned, this paper evaluates the position of the Maguzawa under Islamic theocratic government. The study reveals that religious difference impacted the nature of inter-group relations between the two hitherto one community. It offers an intellectual discussion on how, Maguzawa were marginalized in the socio-economic and political arena of Kano Emirate. Later, the Maguzawa were largely converted to Christianity through Christian missionary activities. The paper utilizes both primary and secondary sources. As part of the primary sources, interviews and observation methods are applied in the collation of data. Similarly, books, journal articles are also consulted.
Presenters
Sani Ahmad Dawakin TofaAssistant Lecturer, Department of History and International Studies, Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, Nigeria, Kano, Nigeria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Past and Present in the Humanistic Education
KEYWORDS
ISLAM, MAGUZAWA, JIHAD, KANO EMIRATE, MARGINALISATION
