Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies

Exposition of Islamic ethics of political campaign and its applicability in Nigeria

Muhammad Tanko Aliyu — 2021-06-08

Political campaign is part and parcel of democratic process in modern times, but it has come to be characterised by destabilizing practices and irregularities, such as violence, especially in some developing countries including Nigeria. Political campaign is often associated with vilifications, use of thugs, extravagant spending, violence against opponents, and so on which portend big danger for governance and its purpose of human and societal development. This study examines the issue from the Islamic campaign ethical perspective, towards providing antidotes to the unhealthy practices that are retrogressing democracy and Nigeria as a nation. Islam is understood to be a comprehensive system that offers guidance in all aspects of life. The study is expository. It delves into the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as literatures on Islamic political system and Nigerian laws to unearth relevant guidance to political campaigns and politico-economic development of Nigeria. It concludes that the inappropriate practices trailing democracy in Nigeria are rooted in illegalities that can be remedied if the Islamic ethical contents and relevant Nigerian laws are respected and followed, as exposed in this study.

Keywords: Exposition, Islamic Ethics, Political Campaign, Nigeria, Democracy

The doctrine of Sanctity of human life in Judaism and Christianity: Lesson for the Nigerian nation

Sunday Elijah Iyanda — 2021-06-08

From the Biblical creation narratives, sanctity of human life is the major reason for human existence. The process of life is sustained through the means of procreation and preservation of the essence of human life. In point of fact, preservation and respect for sanctity of human life have become topical issues in human history. Among the Jews, there was oppression of the aliens, fatherless, shedding of innocent blood and injustice. This could be interpreted as disrespect for human life, irreverence, senseless killings, human sacrifices and other social maladies ravaging the society. This research work examined a critical study of the doctrine of sanctity of human life in Judaism and Christianity in relation to Nigerian situation. The research method adopted for the paper was historical and theological, because it addressed an age-long problem that is related to God, comparatively in Judaic and Christian perspectives. The study argues that human life is sacred from womb to tomb. And in that light, human life is expected to be treated with respect and reverence if society is to be safe for all.

Keywords: Sanctity of Human Life, Christianity, Judaism, and Nigeria

Polygamous marriage in the contemporary seventh–day adventist church: The responses of some members

Olabode John Omotosho — 2021-06-08

Christians’ responses to religio-cultural life such as polygamy in Africa have generated diverse reactions from some African Christians. In this wise, some argued that the design established by God at creation was that, the marital relationship would be between a man and a woman like Adam and Eve (Gen 2: 22-24). Therefore, monogamy is the biblical foundation for marriage relationship, while some others submitted that considering some African cultural heritages and values of polygamy, the Church in Africa should be tolerant and magnanimous enough to accommodate polygamous members and potential Christian polygamists. And so, the idea of requiring polygamists to drive away all but a wife before baptism is considered inappropriate. The paper adopted the religio-cultural principle, and hermeneutical method to examine African polygamy, the teaching and practice of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, and responses of some members on marriage so as to get the desired information. The study found that while the teaching and practice of Christian Church is generally in favour of monogamy, there is no explicit condemnation of polygamy. Therefore, the paper contends that the Church in Africa ought to be tolerant towards African Christian polygamists, teaching them tenets of Christian disposition on marriage without enforcement and condemnation.

Keywords: African, Marriage, Polygamy, Christians, Responses, Appropriation

The "may his soul rest in perfect peace" prayer in Christianity and Islam in African context

John Clerk Koko — 2021-06-08

This paper examines philosophical and moral issues associated with the traditional religious prayer “May his soul rest in perfect peace,” with particular reference to Christianity and Islam. The paper argues that though such a religious prayer is usually said during the burial of a deceased with the intention of consoling the living members of the deceased’s family and goodwill for the deceased, the fact that it refers to something beyond the natural world creates a huge conflict between anthropomorphism and supernaturalism. A discursive and analytical approach was used in analysing data gathered through participatory observation and reading of philosophical texts. The entire discussion was placed against the backdrop of logical positivists’ theory on religious language. After a careful digestion of the available data, the paper discusses both philosophical and moral problems associated with such a traditional religious prayer. Philosophical problems include the issues of non-applicability and non-verifiability of language while the moral problems include issues of over-assumption, and distortion of the moral equilibrium of society. Overall, the paper concludes that the moral lapses accruing from the use of such a religious prayer outweighs its moral benefits. Thus, there is need for a reconsideration of the use of this religious prayer during burial of a deceased person, especially if the deceased is perceived to have lived a questionable life while on earth.

Keywords: Precarious nature, rest in perfect peace, Christians and Muslims, African context, philosophical and moral issues

Transposing Islamiyyah schools for effective performance in the 21st century in South-West Nigeria

Bashir Abdul-Raheem — 2021-06-08

Change is what is constant, but the failure of Islamiyyah schools to comply with the 21st century imperatives might render their performance obsolete in the nearest future. This may have adverse effects on the preservation and spread of Islam, the goals which they stand to achieve. The purpose of this study is to bring to limelight the extent to which Islamiyyah schools are lagging behind in catching up with the 21st century imperatives. Descriptive research design was adopted because the study intended to describe the situation of Islamiyyah schools vis-à-vis the 21st century imperatives. The study gives full descriptions of the structures of katātib and madrasah arms of Islamiyyah schools, which show that they (the schools) are not in tune with the 21st century imperatives. What constitute the 21st century imperatives are critically analysed. Furthermore, guidelines on how the madrasah can meet up with the 21st century imperatives were explained. The study found that the major obstacle to meeting up with the 21st century imperatives is the mentality or mind-set of “This is how our fathers used to do it”. It concluded that such attitude must change if the twenty-first century imperatives are to be met by the Islamiyyah schools.

Keywords: Islamiyyah schools, 21st Century, Imperatives, Effective Performance

The use and abuse of religion: Implications in Nigerian society

Utensati Ande Apyewen — 2021-06-08

Religion is a way of life. Religious beliefs, practices and doctrines are for the most part useful for human development and peaceful co-existence in society. People globally believe in the existence of God. Nigeria, on her part is full of intensely religious people who believe that a transcendent being is overlooking and overseeing human activities on earth. Nigerians in contemporary times are predominantly Christians and Muslims. There are minority adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) also in Nigeria who are the custodians of the native heritages. Religions in Nigeria play significant roles in the development of the nation before and after independence. This paper examines the use and abuse of religion and its implications for the Nigerian society. It adopted historical and descriptive methods in its discussion. The study discovered that the religions in Nigeria have been turned to commercial ventures, avenue for disunity and a tool for destruction of human lives and properties. It identified regional, political, religious and ethnic divisions and conflicts in Nigeria as mostly effects of abuse of religion, with particular reference to Islam and Christianity. The work is of the view that religion can be useful in society, depending on how it is handled by the adherents. The conclusion is that for religion to be useful in Nigeria or any other society, the adherents must live by the ethical teaching of their religions.

Keywords: African Traditional Religion Christianity, Islam, abuse of religion