Religious Fundamentalism

Through its depiction of Malam Abdul-Nur’s growing radicalism and religious fundamentalism, Born on a Tuesday portrays the religious fundamentalism as a threat to and exploitation of true religious faith. The novel clearly depicts a range of Muslim beliefs and attitudes situates religious fundamentalism within this broader spectrum. For example, Sheikh bemoans the fact that he is still referred to as a ‘dan Izala: “Yes he studied once under the founder of the Izala movement, but ‘I’m not an Izala,’ he says. He wants the movement to set him apart” (116). There are also the Shiite Muslims, whom Sheikh dislikes and considers overly radical and dangerous. Examples of these Shiite Muslims in the book include Dantala’s own brothers, Hussein and Maccido. Finally, there is the example of Malam Abdul-Nur, who becomes radicalized after a visit to Saudi Arabia. He returns to Sokoto as a...