Preaching Islamic Revival in East Africa

Book excerpt: This book deals with the new dynamics of Islam in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Comoros) and its attempt to expand through various missionary activities. As Muslim reformers have done elsewhere in the world, the reformers in East Africa are fighting for an Islamic awakening. The central argument of this book is to say that although these activities are supported by contributions from transnational networks, their origins go back to the frustration of Muslim communities of East Africa with politics, education, and professional training. The other argument is to show that this Islamic awakening is not just about the Salafi or Muslim Brothers trend, it concerns also Shī‘a, Sufi, Muslim Bible Scholars and others alike. All these trends mimic each other while competing against each other at the same time. They also take the same position vis-à-vis the various Christian groups.