A NOTE ON THE EARLY SPREAD OF ISLAM IN DAGOMBA

摘要: The Dagomba state, in the north-east of Republic Ghana, emerged its historic form course 15th and 16th centuries.1 Although basic social political institutions had evolved before Islam made any substantial impact region, nevertheless now shows strongly Islamic features superimposed upon traditional system: for instance, existence imamates other specifically Muslim offices; use calendar universal observance major festivals; widespread adoption fashions naming (caqlqa), circumcision, burial; presence Malikite elements law. It is purpose this note to inquire into circumstances, chronology, early spread Dagomba. Utahman dan Fodio, writing or about 1811 from purist standpoint Fulani reformers, still regarded as dar al-harb, enemy territory,2 others been more impressed by aspects. 'This nation has Turkish religion', observed Romer, reporting Ashanti invasion 1744-5, 'and we have received many Arabic books Accra which Ashantis plundered.'3 Fezzan merchant Sharif Imhammad, some thirty forty years later, visited it spoke 'the Mahometan Kingdom Degombah', though noting: that Musselman pagan are indiscriminately mixed; their cattle feed same mountains; approach evening sends them peace village.4 In 1820 Dupuis, on testimony Yendi traders Kumasi, classified among governments cither purely Moslem; countries where Koranic Law serves civil code Believer Infidel.5