Yoruba Culture and its intersection with Islamic ethics and jurisprudence

Abstract

The study explores the complex relationship between Yoruba cultural practices and Islamic ethics within the context of Yoruba Muslim communities in Nigeria. The paper highlights how these two belief systems-Yoruba traditional values and Islamic jurisprudence-Interact, overlap, and sometimes conflict in shaping the identities, legal structures, and moral values of the Yoruba people. Drawing on historical, social, and religious perspectives, the study uncovers how Yoruba Muslims navigate the intricate dynamics of cultural syncretism and religious hybridity. This includes blending Islamic religious rituals with Yoruba customs in areas such as marriage, Inheritance, and communal life. The study provides a detailed analysis of the jurisprudential implications of this intersection, revealing how Yoruba customary law and Islamic legal principles coexist, particularly in governance, family relations, and dispute resolution. In addition, the research emphasises the adaptive resilience of Yoruba culture, which continues to integrate external influences while preserving its core values. The study concludes by exploring the contemporary relevance of this intersection and its implications for social cohesion, cultural identity, and interfaith dialogue in the globalised world.