TRENDS IN ISLAMIC DA’WAH (PROPAGATION) IN PARTS OF EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Islam in Nigeria received a boost during the colonial era to extend its civilization and propagation mission into Eastern Nigeria—peopled by the Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, Annang, Ejeagham (Ekoi), along with few smaller ethnic groups, who today occupy Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and River States. While the predominance of Christianity is not in doubt, the growing influence of Islam in the area is a subject of debate amongst scholars. This paper, based on a qualitative research conducted in Abia, Imo, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, four of the nine states of Eastern Nigeria, examines the trends and impacts of Islamic propagation in Eastern Nigeria. It also considers the challenges and prospects of implanting Islam in a Christian-dominated environment. Keywords: Eastern Nigeria; Islam; da‘wah; propagation; challenges; prospects