Boko Haram: Religious and Political Ideologies of the Group

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Language
English
English
Degree
M.A.
Select type of work
CIS Program Old
CIS publications
No
CIS Thesis
Yes
Student Name
Mairiga, F. Ahmed
Year of Graduation
2016
CIS Library Call Number
 Thesis QFIS CMT 2016/7 
Abstract
This research analyses the popular religious discourses and counter-discourses as articulated by Boko Haram and some of its opponents through analysis of their sermons and videos available on YouTube. Rather than simplistic application of economic deprivation theory to explain the rise of the group, the essay argues that Boko Haram is driven by a quest for power, the belief of doing Allah's work together with other temporal dimensions be equally taken into consideration. By analyzing their religious worldview and that of their opponents in relation to the Nigerian Salafi/Wahhabi movements, the essay demonstrates that Salafism/Wahhabism should not be understood as a monolithic Jihadi concept but rather a complex phenomenon comprising tendencies and ideas. The research also demonstrates how Boko Haram uses religious concepts such as Jahiliyya, Kufr, Nifaq, and Abu Jahl to make sense of local realities and predicaments and as well make critique of the post-colonial Nigerian state.
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