A History Of Muslim-Christian Activities

Project and Seminar Material for History

Abstract

This work examines the History of Muslims-Christian activities among the Igala people of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, from 1979 to 1992. The work examines the activities of Christians and Muslims. It also shows the relationship between all the religions that exist in the area since 1979 and ends up in 1992. The work defines the geographical location of the people of Ankpa. It has also discussed the advent of Islam and Christianity in the area. It examined the features of Islam and Christianity. The work highlighted the facilitating factors, mode and way of interaction. It gives suggestions and draws a conclusion. In the finding, it is discovered that in Ankpa Local Government Area, Muslims, Christians and traditional religion have been in peace since the introduction of the religions into the area but sometimes intra-religious violence do occur among them. The secret of this success is discovered to be hinged on mutual respect, accommodation, tolerance, dialogue and understanding among the religions in the area. Both Secondary as well as Primary sources were used to accomplish the write-up.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State was created out of the Igala native authority (INA) in 1979.1The Local government underwent a political sub-division when Omala and Olamaboro Local Government Area were carved out in 1989 and 1991 respectively. Ankpa local Government Area has a population of 267,353 according to the 2006 National census.2 Igala is the main ethnic group but has equally absorbed other ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Agatu and migarant Fulani.

The main religions of the inhabitant are Islam, Christianity and traditional religion. The name Ankpa originated from the Red Scenery called ‘‘EKPA’’ meaning ‘‘RED’’ later turned to be known and called Ankwa by the Hausa migrant and Ankpa by the Colonial masters.4 From the earliest, both religions adopted a gradual, quietist attitude towards the culture of the people which saw them integrate, intermingle and contribute immensely to the development of the society.5 Muslims, Christians and traditional religion engage themselves in activities that promote good understanding between them.6 The attitude of flexible engagement with others was generally effective in Ankpa Local Government Area because all the religions presented non-violently and largely without compulsion.7 Through the positive religious activities which include marriage ceremonies, festivals and funerals are attended by other followers of religions depending on interest and commitment.

Before the coming of Islam and Christianity in the 19th century to Ankpa Local Government Area the inhabitant are traditionalists. People travel from other areas like Imane, Olamoboro, Omala and Enjema to Ankpa to a water deity called ‘‘Ojaji’’ meaning (head of a River) which they believe to solve their problems like diseases, witchcraft and other spiritual attack in the communities.9 In Ankpa Local Government Area, the activity between the followers of these religions is cordial but sometimes crises do occur between them. They are all duty bound to serve the community when a call for such work arises. In this way, the people interact cordially together. Islam and Christianity have played a very important role in the History of the people and the coming of both religions to the area has changed the pattern of living in the area by bringing social changes and positive transformation to the people.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The basic factor that necessitated this research is to examine the activities of the three major religions of Igala people of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi from 1979 to 1992. The researcher will establish the transformation that occurs among the religions and the coming of Islam and Christianity to the area within the period of this study and the level of its consciousness among the people.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The objectives of the study are;

To ascertain the relationship between Muslim and Christian activities
To ascertain the effect of Muslim Christian activities to people of Ankpa
To ascertain whether Muslim and Christian clash because of their belief

1.4 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1

H0: there is no relationship between Muslim and Christian activities
H1: there is relationship between Muslim and Christian activities

Hypothesis 11

H0: there is no effect of Muslim Christian activities to people of Ankpa
H1: there is effect of Muslim Christian activities to people of Ankpa

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will give a clear insight on a history of Muslim Christian activities. The study will be beneficial to students, Christians, Muslim and the general public. The study will serve as reference to other researchers that will embark on this topic

1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The scope of the study covers a history of Muslim Christian activities. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

a) Availability of Research Material:

The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

b) Time:

The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Muslim:

Muslims are people who follow or practice Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion. Muslims consider the Quran, their holy book, to be the verbatim word of God as revealed to the Islamic prophet and messenger Muhammad.

Christian:

Christianity is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth

1.8 Organization of the Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Introduction

It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain a history of Muslim Christian activities. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Muslim Christian activities

5.2 Summary

This study was on a history of Muslim Christian activities. Four objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the relationship between Muslim and Christian activities, to ascertain the effect of Muslim Christian activities to people of Ankpa, to ascertain whether Muslim and Christian clash because of their belief. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 residents of Ankpa local government of Kogi state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made village elders, youths, married men and married women were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

5.3 Conclusion

This study has examined the evolution of Christian-Muslim activities in Ankpa local government of Kogi state and the recent Christian Muslim confrontations with a view of establishing whether the incidences threaten the future stability and peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims. The study has argued that the recent confrontations and incidences involving Christians and Muslims do not seem to paint a negative picture of the future interfaith relations as well as national stability and peace. This is because, the confrontations are generally not motivated by religion but by the political manipulations of religious diversity as well as perceptions of the way the state treat followers of different religions across the socio-economic and political opportunities. The evidence presented is too meagre to warrant a general conclusion that there is indeed a sustained national Christian Muslim conflict.