Interpretations of Jihād in Africa: A Historical Overview

This chapter looks at the different interpretations and implementations of the concept of jihād in Africa. It examines the patterns, motives, and consequences of jihād in the continent. It discusses the different modes of jihāds that have taken place in the African continent from the precolonial period to now. It shows that the historical trajectory and the interpretations and implementations of jihād in Africa reflect the polycentric nature of Islam, demonstrating that African Muslims have always been engaged in the larger global Islamic culture, issues, and challenges.