EXAMINE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR NGITURKANA CHRISTIAN CONVERSION TO ISLAM

Malcom Charles Lochodo

Abstract


In places that were formerly unfriendly to Muslims, the number of converts has risen dramatically in recent years. Numerous examples may be cited, including the conversion of Christians in South Korea to Islam, as well as native-born Britons. Igboland, the Christian core of Nigeria, is also experiencing this trend, as seen by the proliferation of Islamic schools/institutions, Mosques, and well-off Igbo converts to Islam. While it was formerly thought that the economic motive was driving the majority of Igbo converts to Islam, recent research has shown that this is no longer true. According to Lines Kevin, the intellectual element of Islam is a major draw for Igbo converts today.  Since it is often held that the Igbo are concerned with money, it is also commonly held that they converted to Islam to earn more wealth; nevertheless, the findings of the present study would contradict this belief. The practice of people changing their religious affiliation has been going on for centuries, and it remains a fascinating and relevant issue in the modern world. As an example, consider the Ngiturkana people's shift from Christianity to Islam. The purpose of this research is to look at the difficulties and potential benefits of this occurrence, particularly as they pertain to the Ngiturkana people of Kenya. Ngiturkana Christians' decisions to convert to Islam provide several obstacles and possibilities, and it's crucial to have a full picture of the situation. Converting to Islam, on the one hand, may open doors to new spiritual communities and give people a renewed sense of purpose in life.  On the other side, converts may face hostility and rejection from loved ones and the public, as well as challenges in locating a welcoming religious group and obtaining necessary religious materials.  The goal of this research is to offer a thorough analysis of the difficulties and potential benefits of the Ngiturkana people's decision to convert from Christianity to Islam. The research will look at why people convert, how converts feel, and how the public views conversion. The research aspires to add to the continuing discourse on religious tolerance and variety by providing greater knowledge of this significant phenomenon.

 

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Keywords


challenges and opportunities, Ngiturkana Christians, Islam

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v8i4.1436

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