Sharī’a Implementation in The Context of Tanzania Mainland: An Analysis of Its Debate, Practice and Inlfuence in Christian-Muslim Relations

Kopwe, William Andrew (2013) Sharī’a Implementation in The Context of Tanzania Mainland: An Analysis of Its Debate, Practice and Inlfuence in Christian-Muslim Relations. ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This research is about sharī’a (Islamic law) implementation in the context of Tanzania mainland. It has been compelled by Muslims’ demand for expansion of sharī’a application in the public sphere and its philosophy of practice which is opposed by non-Muslims and some Muslims. This endangers Christian-Muslim and state-religion relations. The research analyzes Sharī’a debate in the Country, its practice in Tanzania mainland context, challenges, prospects, and the influence of its debate in inter-religious, intra-religious and state-religion relations. It employed Qualitative research philosophy in which in-depth expert and non-expert interviews, participant observation and documentary review methods were used to gather information. The research reveals that, though in a circumscribed form, Muslims implement sharī’a according to Tanzania’s context. Because of social-cultural contextual issues, it is pragmatically impossible to totally implement sharī’a as enjoined in the Islam grand sources of authority and as practiced in the traditional Muslim states. The demand for expansion of sharī’a application in the public sphere is mostly elites’ movement and a result of external influence, fueled by religious resurgence through globalization and its ramifications. The ordinary Muslims are satisfied with the current sharī’a status in the country. Also, it was found that the demand is just part of numerous Muslim grievances in the country. The research suggests that: Tanzanians should learn to tolerate religious differences and be careful in interpreting international religious-political events to the local context. Furthermore, State secularity should be perpetuated and religions should not be a driving force in political decisions. Lastly, The Government should find proper mechanism to address State-religion relations and citizens’ grievances.

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