Understanding apostasy and freedom of religion among Fulani Muslims in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa state Nigeria

Abstract

This article presents the understanding of apostasy among the Fulani Muslims Mayo-Belwa Adamawa State and the entire Northern Muslims of Nigeria. It demonstrates the effects of apostasy in the region as witnessed over the years. Mayo-Belwa is a multi-ethnicity and religious community that often engages in religious activities such as preaching, naming ceremonies, burials, and weddings, encouraging individuals to disassociate from violence and disturbances. Sadly, the negative effects of apostasy have led to conflicts and violence among religions in communities. The ripple effects of apostasy are of global concern due to its threat to life. This article adopted the library and the historical approach as the primary and secondary sources for the collection of data. The qualitative research design was used to have better research. The qualitative data analysis was done through thematic analysis. This article used sample techniques and purposive sampling of 22 men and women, respectively, as respondents. Apostasy is seen as leaving Islam, rejecting the way of Allah, and abandoning Islamic religion after believing it for a long or short time, apostasy is grouped with other acts of treason that demand corporal punishment, such as reviling, rebellion, adultery, highway robbery, drinking wine, and theft. The article recommends that an interfaith dialogue centre be established to deal with religious issues and to promote peace and tolerance.