The entry of İslam into Hausa society in Nigeria and its structuring

This research will attempt to define hausaland, its traditional belief system and the penetration of Islam into region. Hausa tribe became one of the most oldest and historical culture among west African tribes and also is the most speakable and usable language in the continet. Hausa tribe can be devided into two categories: Hausa traditional religion and Religion of Islam. The traditional religion is the religion being practiced by the Hausa tribe. This tribe has got a religion before acceptance of Islam just like Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. When we look at the Hausa traditional religion we see 'Maguzanci belief system' among the Hausa tribe. Maguzanci means: being not belonging any religion and remain in traditional beliefs system. But in our modern days the meaning of Maguzanci means anybody from Hausa tribe who was born and grew up not in the Islamic religion. In that case a singular person of 'Maguzanci' called 'Bamaguce' and plural are called 'Maguzawa'. Tsumburbura is the greatest God among the Hausa tribe before accepting Islam. In Hausa traditional belief system, people consider Tsumburbura as their supreme God who guides, punishes and rewards anything that exists. The greatest priest-king (Barbushi), is a Messenger connector who makes a contact between people and their God 'Tsumburbura' for their needs. Finally, this is how traditional religion influenced the behavior and lifestyles of all Hausa people. The continuation of our research intends to trace the introduction of Islam religion and the role of Da'awah in the regions of northern Nigeria. Influence of Islamic religion was more felt in the northern Nigeria via the trading activities since in the 14. Century C.E. to contemporary time. The great work initiated as result of the activities of the visiting Muslims merchants and scholars that came to introduce Islamic religion in the region. This region bears witness by influx of Muslim merchants and scholars who came from Mali to spread Islam in Hausaland (Northern Nigeria). The great work of spreading became easier by the continuous arrival of Muslim missionaries and merchants who continue to preach Islam in the region. Keys: Nigeria, Islam, Spreading, Hausa