Cultural Practices in Yorubaland That Islam Discourages
Culture encompasses the collective values, customs, beliefs, and practices that define a particular community, shaping their worldview and influencing their behavior. In Nigeria, numerous cultural groups exist, and here, we focus on the Yoruba people, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups. While other tribal customs may occasionally blend in, we will primarily examine Yoruba cultural practices.
The Yoruba, estimated to number about 28 million people based on the 2006 census, form one of Nigeria’s most significant ethnic groups. Islam is widely practiced among the Yoruba, who are primarily located in the southwestern states of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo, as well as in the central Nigerian states of Kogi and Kwara. Additionally, Yoruba communities can be found in neighboring countries like Benin and Togo, and in diaspora communities across the Caribbean and South America, especially in Cuba and Brazil.
Islam, as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), is regarded by Muslims as the final and true religion, superseding all others. Allah commands in the Qur’an:
“And whoever desires other than Islam as a religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” [Al `Imran 3:85]
This emphasizes that any form of religious syncretism—blending Islam with other faiths—is not acceptable. Islam rejects the idea of associating partners with Allah, a practice known as shirk, which can lead one to Hell. The Qur’an states:
“Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped)” [Al-Baqarah 2:22]
In another verse:
“And they set up rivals to Allah, to mislead (men) from His path! Say: ‘Enjoy (your brief life)! But certainly, your destination is the (Hell) Fire!’” [Ibrahim 14:30]
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) warned:
“Whoever dies claiming that Allah has a rival, will enter Hell.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4497; Muslim, 92)
While Yoruba Muslims strive to maintain their religious practices, many cultural traditions in Yorubaland may conflict with Islamic teachings. Some practices rooted in ancestral beliefs or traditional Yoruba customs may involve elements of syncretism or idol worship, which Islam strongly opposes. However, many Yoruba Muslims balance their cultural heritage with Islamic principles by adapting practices to align with the teachings of Islam.
The interaction between Islam and Yoruba culture is nuanced, and Yoruba Muslims often find ways to honor both their faith and their ancestral customs, ensuring that their religious obligations remain central to their lives.
