THE YORùBá MUSLIMS’ CULTURAL IDENTITY QUESTION

This study seeks to examine what way of life distinctively defines who a Yoruba Muslim is. Is he one whose practice of Islam separates him from Yoruba cultural practices, or one whose Islam accommodates elements of indigenous tradition? Taking cognizance of the attitude of Islam to non-Islamic culture, this study aims at examining the role of indigenous culture in the formation of the Yoruba Muslim identity. Apart from the introductory section, the study is divided into four parts. The first examines cultural compatibility and harmony of identity traditions focusing on the institution of marriage. The second section deals with syncretic practices and the dilemma of the Yoruba Muslim in cultural identity formation. The third part examines inculturation of Islam among the Yorubas while the fourth part treats Islamic identity signifiers and Yoruba Muslim. The study concludes by stressing the need for correlates between the Islamic identity maker and the Yoruba Muslim behavioural pattern.