Author(s): Yusuf Abdullahi

Abstract: Zuru Emirate is one of the four existing emirates in Kebbi States, Nigeria. Within the emirate, Fakkawa are mostly found in Fakai Local Government. Because of the prevalence of traditional belief system among the Fakkawa up to the early 20th century and limited literature on the development of Islam in the area, people outside region still look at Fakkawa as traditionalists, which is not the case. Traders and Muslim scholars played important roles in the spread of Islam among the Fakkawa. Also important were the roles of Muslim organizations principally the Jama’atul Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah. This organization contributed significantly towards the spread of Islam and development of Islamic education among the Fakkawa. Consequently, the traditional belief system has been in a state of decline in the area. Data obtained from books, dissertations and thesis, and through oral interviews, were studied, analysed and corroborated.

Keywords: Fakkawa, Islam, Muslim, Scholars, Izala.