Effects Of Superstitious Beliefs And Syncretic Practices On Yoruba Muslims: Islamic Teachings As A Way Forward
Fayokemi, Adigun Wasilat
Department of Arts Education (Islamic Studies Unit), School of Multidisciplinary Studies, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria
Abstract
This study finds out the effects of the various levels of superstitious beliefs and syncretic practices on Yoruba Muslims. It determines the cause and effects of superstitious beliefs and syncretism on spiritual development of Muslims with a view to eradicate the menace among Muslims in Yorubaland. A self-developed questionnaire titled “Superstitious Beliefs and Its Effects on Yoruba Muslims” was adopted and administered on 110 Muslims (Male and Female). Chi-square (x2) was employed to test the hypotheses at P = 0.05; df = 3. The statistics of percentages was also used to describe the situation as implicated by the data. The result showed that all the hypotheses formulated were significant (P<0.05) and thereby concluded that all the four variables were actually affects of superstitious beliefs and that they are impediments to Muslims faith in Yorubaland. Considering the findings, it was recommended that Islamic teachings should be elevated among Yoruba Muslims to understand why they should be effectively involved in the teaching and learning of Islamic studies in Schools to educate Muslims on the negative effects of superstition on their faith (Islam).
Keywords: Superstition, Yoruba, Muslim, Islamic teachings, way-forward
Impact Statement
This research on superstition and syncretic beliefs contributes to the field of arts and humanity by elucidating the mechanisms that drive superstitious beliefs and their impact on spiritual development of Muslims. It offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, healthcare providers, religious organizations, and individuals seeking to understand and navigate the effect of superstition and syncretic beliefs on various aspects of life by fostering knowledge and awareness. It is important to note that while superstition and syncretic beliefs have negative consequences as it creates divisions or conflicts between different groups. It conflicts with divine and scientific understanding as it contradicts Qur’anic evidences and scientific understanding and explanations of natural phenomena. This often leads to a mistrust of divine revelations and scientific advancements, hindering progress in spirituality, science and obstructing the acceptance of evidence-based practices as they are deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts. Thus, the aim of this research is to impact the knowledge of Islam on superstition and syncretic beliefs through education to train the sensibility of Muslims in such a way that in their attitude of life, their actions, decisions and approaches to all kinds of spiritual deeply follow the ethical values of Islam.
Author’s Profile
Dr Adigun Wasilat Fayokemi is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Arts Education (Islamic Studies Unit), School of Multidisciplinary Studies, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria. She started her career at the defunct College of Education, Ikere Ekiti as an Instructor at the School of Languages after emerging as the best NCE graduating student of the School in 1994. She received her Bachelor of Arts Education in Islamic Studies from Lagos State University, Ojoo, Nigeria. She later proceeded to University of Ibadan where she obtained her Masters of Arts in Islamic Studies and Ph.D from the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan. She has been actively involved in research, teaching and training on Islamic Studies and Religious/Moral Education. Her research interests are in the area of Islamic Education, Theology, Gender Studies, Ethics, Morality and Contemporary Studies. She served as the Head of Department of Islamic Studies in 2018 until 2020 and was part of the teaching team for training programs organized by Center for Research and Development (CERAD) of BOUESTI. She has conducted research and published articles in various areas of Islamic Studies and contemporary studies in both local and international journals. She is a member of the National Association for the Study of Religions and Education (NASRED); Nigeria Association of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS); Nigeria Associations of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NAFTAIS); Professional Muslim Sisters Association of Nigeria (PMSAN); International Council for Education, Research and Training (ICERT), and others. She received Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Global Educator Award-2022 for excellence in education, social welfare and contribution to education fraternity & society during the Indo-Global Education Summit (IGES-2022) on “Recent Transformations in Education, Health, Management, and Research” organized by International Council for Education, Research and Training (ICERT).
References
1. Ayesha, F. & Ashraf, K.K. (2012). Prevalence of Superstitions and other Super-naturals in Rural Punja: A Sociological Perspective. A Research Journal of South Asian Studies
2. Ayesha, F. & Ashraf, K.K. (2012). Prevalence of Superstitions and other Super-naturals in Rural Punja: A Sociological Perspective. A Research Journal of South Asian Studies
3. Levitt, E.E. (1952). Superstitions-Twenty-Five Years Ago and Today. American Journal of Psychology. Cleveland, Ohio. University of Illinois Press
4. Levitt, E.E. (1952). Superstitions-Twenty-Five Years Ago and Today. American Journal of Psychology. Cleveland, Ohio. University of Illinois Press
5. Adil, S. (2005). Believing in Bad and Good Omens. Arab News. Retrieved 13 February 2023
6. Hitti, P.K. (1970) History of the Arabs, London: Macmillan 10th Edition.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Superstition. Retrieved February 15 2023
8. Kevin, R. F. & Hanna, K. (2008). The evolution of Superstitious and Superstition-Like Behaviours. The Royal Society Publishing
9. Vyse, S. (2000). Believing in Magic. The Psychology of Superstition. Oxford University Press, UK
10. Rahnema, A. (2011). Superstition as Ideology in Iranian Politics: From Majlesi to Ahmadinejad Cambridge University Press
11. Adigun, K.O. (2006). Counselling as an Antidote to the Menace of Superstitious Beliefs Among Male and Female Secondary School. CATIS: Ikere Journal of Religious Studies Vol.2(2)
12. Balogun, M.A. (2015). Islamic Education: Potential Tool in Reducing Religious Syncretism among Muslims in Yorubaland. Literacy Information and Computer Education Journal (LICEJ), vol. 6(2)
13. Adigun, K.O. (2006). Counselling as an Antidote to the Menace of Superstitious Beliefs Among Male and Female Secondary School. CATIS: Ikere Journal of Religious Studies Vol.2(2)
14. Ibrahim, S (2010). Prophet Muhammad’s Attitude Toward Superstitions. Retrieved on 13th February, 2023
15. Umar, S.A (1998).The World of the Jinn and Devils. USA. Al-Basheer Company for Publication and Translations
16. Umar, S.A (1998).The World of the Jinn and Devils. USA. Al-Basheer Company for Publication and Translations
17. Qaradawi, Y (1960). “The War Against Superstitions and Myths”. The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam. Al-Falah Foundation
18. Rahim, A. (1983) Islamic History, Lagos: Islamic Publications Bureau, Isolo; Muhammad, H.H. (1976 ) Haykal’s Life of Muhammed, USA American Trust Publication
19. Qaradawi, Y (1960). “The War Against Superstitions and Myths”. The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam. Al-Falah Foundation
20. Hunwick, J.O (ed).(1985). Sharia in Songhay:The Replies of Al-Maghili to the Questions of Askia Al-Hajj Muhammad. London. Oxford University Press
21. Olayinka, A.I., Taiwo, V.O., Raji, A.O., &Farai, I.P (2006). Methodology of Basic and Applied Research. Ibadan. The Postgraduate School, University of Ibadan
22. Adigun, K.O. (2006). Counselling as an Antidote to the Menace of Superstitious Beliefs Among Male and Female Secondary School. CATIS: Ikere Journal of Religious Studies Vol.2(2)
23. Ibrahim, S (2010). Prophet Muhammad’s Attitude Toward Superstitions. Retrieved on 13th February, 2023
24. Sanni, R.K. in I.A.B. Balogun (ed) (2000). “Spiritual Development in Islam”. Islamic Tenets and the Shari’ah. Sam Bookman Publishers. Ibadan, Nigeria
25. Khurshid, A (1980). Islam: Basic Principles and Characteristics. World Assembly of Muslim Youth. Retrieved on 14th February, 2023
26. Balogun, M.A. (2015). Islamic Education: Potential Tool in Reducing Religious Syncretism among Muslims in Yorubaland. Literacy Information and Computer Education Journal (LICEJ), vol. 6(2)
27. Yusuf, A (1975). The Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation, Transliteration and Commentary London. The Islamic Foundation.