Salafism in Nigeria
Islam, Preaching, and Politics

Examines how Salafism, a globally influential Muslim movement, is reshaping religious authority in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country.

Alexander Thurston (Author)

9781107157439, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 September 2016

300 pages, 3 maps
23.8 x 16 x 2.3 cm, 0.6 kg

'Alexander Thurston's book, Salafism in Nigeria, is an important work on the modern study of Islam in Nigeria. Indeed, the work is a pioneering publication on the research of the Salafi movement in that country.' Mukhtar Umar Bunza, Reading Religion

The spectre of Boko Haram and its activities in Nigeria dominates both media and academic analysis of Islam in the region. But, as Alexander Thurston argues here, beyond the sensational headlines this group generates, the dynamics of Muslim life in northern Nigeria remain poorly understood. Drawing on interviews with leading Salafis in Nigeria as well as on a rereading of the history of the global Salafi movement, this volume explores how a canon of classical and contemporary texts defines Salafism. Examining how these texts are interpreted and - crucially - who it is that has the authority to do so, Thurston offers a systematic analysis of curricula taught in Saudi Arabia and how they shape religious scholars' approach to religion and education once they return to Africa. Essential for scholars of religion and politics, this unique text explores how the canon of Salafism has been used and refined, from Nigeria's return to democracy to the jihadist movement Boko Haram.

Acknowledgements
Introduction: defining Salafism, analysing canons
Part I. Salafism and its Transmission: 1. The canon and canonizers
2. Africans and Saudi Arabia
3. Nigerians in Medina
Part II. The Canon in Action: 4. Teaching the canon
5. The canon in religious debates and electronic media
6. The canon in politics
Part III. Boko Haram and the Canon: 7. Boko Haram from Salafism to jihadism
8. Reclaiming the canon
Appendix 1: the Sermon of Necessity
Glossary of persons
Glossary of Arabic terms
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Regional government [JPR], Religious & theocratic ideologies [JPFR], Political ideologies [JPF], Politics & government [JP], Islamic studies [JFSR2], Religious groups: social & cultural aspects [JFSR], Islam [HRH], Religion & beliefs [HR], 21st century history: from c 2000 - [HBLX], African history [HBJH]