A HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE ISLAMIZATION OF ARSI OROMO: WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON GADAB AREA, 1935-2000

Abstract

Islam is one of the universal religions introduced into Ethiopia beginning from the 7th century. Due to the geographical proximity and peaceful relations of Ethiopia with the Arabian Peninsula merchants, artisans, adventurers and clerics seem to have played leading role for the creation of Muslim petty states on the coastal areas and the Ethiopian interior. This thesis aims to study and document the process of Islamization of the Arsi Oromo with particular reference to the districts of Adabba, Dodola and the surrounding areas. Moreover, the thesis intends to fill the existing gap by analyzing some of the factors and actors in the Islamization process of the Western Arsi. The thesis also further attempts to reconstruct the social, cultural and religious history of Gadab. The data organization was conducted through systematic collections and analysis of both primary and secondary sources using qualitative methods data collection. In the course of the Islamization of Gadab region of Arsi, the local Muslim scholars from Balé and the Eastern part of Arsi have played quite a significant role. Several factors were accounted for early contacts of the local people with the agents of Ulama. Cultural similarity between Arsi Oromo and the neighboring Muslim communities was one of dynamic factors for the gradual expansion of Islam into this area. In addition to this, at its early diffusion, Islam tolerates the pre-existing culture of the gradually converted local people. In recent years, various reformist Muslim scholars made their appearance. They have strongly criticized the mixing of Islam with the some of Arsi indigenous Oromo culture and religion. The intention of the thesis is to critically document this historical process based on reliable sources.