Encyclopedia of Islam

West Africa

  

709  J

---

communities in many African states, sometimes 

leading to interfaith violence. The continent’s larg-

est country, Nigeria, has been particularly plagued 

by conflict between its Christian majority and size-

able Muslim minority population.

As the 21st century opens, West African Mus-

lims face the critical challenges of uniting Muslims 

from many backgrounds and persuasions, main-

taining peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims, 

and helping their societies overcome crippling 

problems such as poverty, underdevelopment, and 

corrupt governments.

See also  c

hristianity

 

and

  i

slam

; 

colonial

-

ism

; e

ast

 a

Frica

; m

Uridi

 s

UFi

 o

rder

; q

adiri

 s

UFi

o

rder

; s

okoto

 c

aliphate

; U

mar

 t

al

.

Stephen Cory