The history and influence of Islam in Chipata District Of Eastern Province of Zambia, 1899 -1991
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Date
2019
Authors
Phiri, Margaret
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
The study was set to explore the establishment of Islam in Chipata district. Chipata in particular,
being the provincial headquarters attracted more Indian families than any other town in the region
and played a key role in founding and shaping various Muslim communities. It is noted in the
study that Islam was introduced to Chipata by Muslim traders from India and by Yao Muslims
from Malawi. The study also showed that Muslims found in Chipata are Sunnis. The study argues
that Islam failed to spread during the colonial period because of the failure of the Indian Muslim
traders to propagate their faith. It is also noted that during this period Islam had no missionaries
and no itinerant preachers. In addition the hostile policies of the colonial government which
restricted the activities of the Indian Muslim traders also contributed to the slow process of
Islamization in Chipata district.
The study highlighted the categories of people converting to Islam in Chipata. These include the
orphans the poor, the widows and widowers, the youth and subsistence farmers. The study also
examined reasons that led the people of Chipata to embrace Islam. These include employment the
Islamic practice of alms giving (Zakat), Islamic tolerance of polygamy, extended family system,
Islamic festivals such as breaking the fast and promotion of good health, as well as personal
conviction. The study further established the extent of Islam in Chipata. Islam in Chipata has
reached Chief Chanje, Misholo, Kapatamoyo, Chinunda, Mafuta, Mkanda, Mwanya and Chief
Mshawa.
Finally, the study assessed the influence of Islam on the indigenous people of Chipata. The
manifestation of Islamic activity in Chipata is the building of Mosques in various Chiefdoms and
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to converted Muslims such as Abdullah, Fatima, Ali, Aisha and Daud. In Chipata, it is common to
see indigenous Zambians wearing the Jarabiya (cassock) and the Fez (head cap) women veiled in
Islamic dresses (hijab) to cover their head. On Fridays, local Muslim men go for prayers at Jami
mosque and the poor walk back home with parcels containing food and clothing.
Key words: Influence, Conversion, Manifestation, Islamisation and Propagate.
Description
Keywords
Islam--Chpata, Zambia , Muslim traders--Chipata, Zambia