Islam and its Impact in Yorubaland

Abstract

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the contemporary world and its adherents are the majority in Nigeria. This paper investigates the impact of Islam in one of the most important regions in Nigeria, known as Yorubaland, in the south-west of the country. The paper begins with a brief introduction to what is known as Yoruba. It continues with commentary about the Yorubas and their geographical location. It explains the traditional religion of the Yoruba people and discusses their philosophy about the Supreme Being before the advent of Islam. This serves as background, which helps one to understand the changes and transformations that occur later. The paper also deals with the introduction of Islam to Yorubaland. It shows the transformation that occurred in the Yoruba creed; their beliefs in God before and after the acceptance of Islam, not only as a religion but also as general way of life. It covers the impact of …