ISLAMIC APPRAISAL OF THE PRACTICE OF BOKANCI (SORCERY) AMONG MUSLIMS IN NASARAWA SOUTH

Different disciplines have examined the history of Islam in Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone in particular and Nasarawa State in general which started in the early 18th century. However, the impact of the practice of Bokanci among the Muslims has not been systematically studied. Therefore, this paper examines the extent of the involvement of Muslims in the practice of Bokanci in Nasarawa State using the Southern zone as a case study, with a view to assessing impact of Tawhid on them. In agreement with previous researches, this study notes that the issue and practice of Bokanci is still in existence amidst the Muslims of Nasarawa South. Field work carried out in the five Local Government Areas of the Nasarawa South indicated a high level of Bokanci as an aspect of religious syncretism among the Muslims. It also revealed that certain factors of this contemporary age which include emphasis on job promotion, love charm, monogamy, economic prosperity and adversity, lack of employment, as well as ignorance are responsible for the widespread of this phenomenon. The paper recommends that the Islamicgroups and organizations engaging in Da ’wah activities should intensify effort in preaching the creed of TawhTdamong others. Relentless and ceaseless religious campaigns and awareness could be mounted by Muslim scholars everywhere in the villages and towns of Nasarawa South with a view to making the Bokaye and their clients realise the evil effects of syncretism (particularly, Bokanci). They could be made to realise that Islam is a perfect and pure religion which integrates the spiritual and mundane aspects of life through the concept of Tawhid which refers all matters of faith and worship to Allah (SWT) alone for the solution of all kinds of problems that may face human existence.