Darul Islam (Nigeria)

Darul Islam is an Islamic organisation in Nigeria, which maintains a compound outside the town of Mokwa, Niger State, where 3,000-4,000 adherents live. The group is headed by Amrul Bashir Abdullahi. The term Darul Islam refers to both the group and the community itself.

The compound was raided by Nigerian police in August 2009, during the 2009 Nigerian sectarian violence. No violence resulted during the raid, and 600 members were questioned by the police.

"Darul Islam" is otherwise known as "Darul Salam". "Daru Islam" means the "Land of Islam" while "Darul Salam" means the "Land of peace". Actually,the organization tends to uphold certain doctrines which is not inline with the general believe of majority Muslims in Nigeria. These doctrines will shed more lights on the creed and belief that the members tend to uphold. First, the organization believes that the human society generally and specifically Nigerian society has been corrupted with atrocious indecencies and licentiousness. This corruption militates against the real practice of Islam, hence, it is necessary to migrate to the "Land of Islam" or "Land of peace" where Islamic injunctions will be devotedly practiced. This is where the organization derives the name "Darul Islam" or otherwise called "Darul Salam". Second, Darul Islam's doctrine is that all Muslims are infidels until they profess the word of testimony, i.e. there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger. By this, it means that being a Muslim is not sufficed by virtue of imitation from parents or being born as a Muslim. Therefore, in professing the word of testimony, it is integrally considered as a prerequisite to migrate to "Darul Islam" and make pledge (Bai'ah) with the leader. Whosoever makes the pledge and subsequently violates or revolts the pledge and denounces the membership of the organization, such person has indeed become a repudiator of his faith. However, no report has been received pertaining to the extent of practicality and application of these doctrines at the village where the members are living.

Sources

• Nigerian police raid sect premises, BBC 16 August 2009.

External links

• Behind the gates of Darul-Islam. Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi. Weekly Trust.