Abstract
The practice of Islamic medicine is becoming a household activity in the city of Ibadan and among the Yoruba Muslims today. The city and most Yoruba communities across southwestern Nigeria are witnessing a steady increase in the springing up of Islamic medical hospitals, especially by Muslim experts. This has necessitated a paradigm shift from the hitherto orthodox practice, thus the noticeable changes in the sociocultural, spiritual and economic life of the people. This study, therefore, examines various changes as brought to bear vis-à-vis inherent prospects or challenges in the practice. Adopting both historical and analytical methods, it is discovered that people of Ibadan and Yoruba Muslims opt for alternative medicine because it is affordable and cost-effective. It also aligns with their ways of life, hence the unhindered return from foreign influences to Nigerian and Islamic lifestyles. It is equally discovered that a profession can be made from the practice, with unprecedented prospects. It provides job opportunities and strengthens the faith of Muslims. On the other hand, there are some associated challenges to the practice in the land, such include misconceptions of different sorts, financial inadequacies, lack of knowledge and unfavourable government policies among others. Therefore, it is concluded that Islamic medicine has brought about changes in various spheres of life of the people of Ibadan and Yoruba Muslims. There is room for improvement if all the identified obstacles are eliminated.
Presenters
Oniye Olayinka IbrahimLecturer, Religions (Islamic Studies), University of Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Alternative Medicine, Ibadan, Yoruba Muslims, Nigeria, Culture
