A history of Shia and its development in Nigeria: the case-study of Kano

Abstract

This article outlines the history of Shiism in Kano State. Most existing studies on Shiism in Nigeria focus exclusively on the political activism of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his Islamic Movement in Nigeria (formerly, Muslim Brothers). This article, on the contrary, tries to bring to light the activities of a variety of Shia actors, including Lebanese migrants, Iranian officials, and competing networks of Nigerian Shiites (Zakzaky’s IMN and Nur Dass’ Rasulul A’zam Foundation). The diversification of Shia actors – this article argues – can be explained as the result of the complexities of the social and religious space of Kano; as the reflection of changing Iranian policies over the years; or as a combination of both factors.