Intra religious controversies: a comparism of Nigerian Yorubas and Malaysian Malay Muslims

Over the past two decades, intra-religious controversies among Yoruba Muslims in Southwestern Nigeria have escalated, fueled by disputes over theology, jurisprudence, and religious practices. These controversies, largely among scholars, have emerged
despite the existence of historical scholarly consensus on key Islamic matters. Similar intra-religious tensions have been observed among the Malay Muslim community in Malaysia. However, a gap in research exists regarding the nature, causes, and
implications of these religious disagreements, both in Nigeria and Malaysia. Thisresearch aimed to investigate the dynamics of intra-religious controversies within both communities, focusing on socio-cultural, historical, and theological factors that
contribute to these conflicts. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilizing semi-structured interviews with Islamic
scholars in both Yoruba land, Nigeria, and Malaysia. Notable religious leaders, including imams, muftis, and preachers, were purposively sampled to provide insights into the causes and effects of these disputes. Data collected through interviews were
transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using NVIVO 14 software. The findings revealed that the controversies stemmed from differing interpretations of Islamic texts and practices, particularly regarding matters of Aqeedah, jurisprudence,
and the status of Prophet Muhammad’s companions. Factors such as the influence of sectarian ideologies (Sunni, Shia, Sufism), theological differences, and socio-political dynamics contributed to the division. The research highlighted the negative impact of
these controversies on the unity of the Muslim community in both regions, leading to confusion among the lay population and fragmentation within the ummah.