Benin: The practice of Islam among the Yorubas, including the powers of the "marabout" and the treatment of Muslim Yorubas who have sexual relations or children outside of marriage; whether any state protection is available to Muslim Yorubas who have been sentenced to death by the marabout for having broken Sharia law (March 2004)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa |
| Publication Date | 10 March 2004 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BEN42348.FE |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Benin: The practice of Islam among the Yorubas, including the powers of the "marabout" and the treatment of Muslim Yorubas who have sexual relations or children outside of marriage; whether any state protection is available to Muslim Yorubas who have been sentenced to death by the marabout for having broken Sharia law (March 2004), 10 March 2004, BEN42348.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/485ba854c.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Yorubas of Benin live in the southeastern and central areas of the country (Université Laval 2003), and make up 8 to 9 per cent of the population (ibid ; OIF 2003; La Maison de l'Afrique 15 Jan. 2004). A 10 January 2004 article, published in the Senegalese newspaper Wal Fadjri, mentioned the [translation] "Muslim Yorubas" of Benin, but it did not provide any details. A working paper published by the Department of Anthropology and African Studies at the Johannes Gutenberg University also noted that Beninese followers of Islam are descendents of [translation] "former marabouts" from the Dendi, Hausa and Yoruba socio-cultural groups (Abdoulaye 2003, 3).
In relation to how [translation] "political and religious powers" are exercised within the Islamic community, the same document indicated that the imam, who is described as the spiritual guide for the community (umma ), is the highest religious authority; his duties include officiating at the mosque and celebrating marriages (ibid., 4). If the imam is not present, the naimi takes his place; this person is the imam 's [translation] "vicar," his [translation] "advisor" and his [translation] "right arm" (ibid., 5). Aside from his official duties, the imam also settles disputes within the community and is a member of the electoral council for the traditional chief, and sometimes becomes its marabout (ibid., 4).
In two pieces of correspondence sent to the Research Directorate, the manager of the Inter Press Service-Africa (IPS-Africa) French Office and the president of the Network for the Integration of Women from African Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations (Réseau pour l'intégration des femmes des organisations non gouvernementales et des associations africaines, RIFONGA), noted that the Islamic faith is widespread among the Yorubas, but that the Sharia is not enforced in Benin (IPS 17 Jan. 2004; RIFONGA 19 Feb. 2004).
Both these sources also stated that the marabout is an expert in the Koran (the holy book of Islam), but holds no official position within the Islamic community (ibid.; IPS 17 Jan. 2004).
During a 22 February 2004 telephone interview, the manager of the IPS-Africa French Office provided the following information. He explained that, in Benin, many people (Muslim or not) believe that a marabout has powers of divination, and that he can act as an intercessor between God and humans. In Beninese society, it is common for some people to consult the marabout (for a fee) in the hope that their desires will be fulfilled or their problems resolved. However, the marabout can use his knowledge of the Koran for [translation] "evil." For example, he can threaten his clients with curses (death, poverty, accidents, etc.) if they do not follow his instructions. The marabout, however, does not carry out his threats personally-he prays to Allah (God) for his threats to be fulfilled. It is a matter of beliefs.
Muslim Yoruba women who have sexual relations or conceive children outside of marriage risk being divorced if they are already married (RIFONGA 19 Feb. 2004) or being temporarily turned out of the family home if they are not yet married (IPS 17 Jan. 2004). In the case of the latter, parents consider that such an act dishonours the family, and the guilty woman is therefore housed by relatives, particularly by aunts, until her parents' anger subsides (ibid.).
For more information on the role of the marabout within Islamic communities, please see GAB41327.F of 13 March 2003.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Abdoulaye, Galilou. 2003. Les diplômés béninois des universités arabo-islamiques : une élite moderne " déclassée " en quête de légitimité socio-religieuse et politique. Published by the Department of Anthropology and African Studies, Johannes Gutenberg University.
Inter Press Service (IPS) [Cotonou]. 22 February 2004. Telephone interview with the manager of the IPS-Africa French Office.
_____. 17 January 2004. Correspondence from the manager of the IPS-Africa French Office.
La Maison de l'Afrique. 15 January 2004. "Bénin."
Organisation internationale de la francophonie (OIF). 2003. "L'économie du Bénin : le pays en chiffres."
Réseau pour l'intégration des femmes des organisations non gouvernementales et des associations africaines (RIFONGA), Cotonou. 19 February 2004. Correspondence from the president.
Université Laval. 2003. "Bénin."
Wal Fadjri [Dakar]. 10 January 2004. "Grande cérémonie annuelle organisée au Bénin : les adeptes du monde entier fêtent le vaudou à Ouidah."
Additional Sources Consulted
Africa Confidential
Resource Centre country file
West Africa
