THE APPLICABILITY OF AL FARUQI’S METHODOLOGY IN STUDYING AFRICAN RELIGIONS: THE CASE OF THE EWE TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the methodology developed by Ismail Raji al Faruqi (d. 1986) to the study of religion, which he initially designed as an in introductory chapter to his book Christian ethics. The basic task in this study is to apply this methodology to the study of African Traditional Religion. The study examines and probes into the usefulness of his methodology to the study of religion on the Ewe Traditional Religion in Ghana, by specifically employing the theoretical, and meta-religion principles. Information on the Ewe Traditional Religion for this study is drawn from data collected through participant observation, and other set of texts published in English Language. Just like any other methodology, this study seeks to provide constructive criticism of al Faruqi’s methodology where necessary and also equally point out its tremendous relevance and contribution to the study of religion. This study in the attempt to adopt al Faruqi’s methodology employs two approaches; the first is a descriptive approach. This is used to explain and give a background of the Ewe Traditional Religion. The second approach is an analytical one. This approach is used to analyze al Faruqi’s methodology on the life-facts provided by the Ewe Traditional Religion. This is to help us understand the Ewe Traditional religion and also to appreciate the uniqueness of al Faruqi’s methodology as well as expose how his methodology can be applied to the study of African Traditional Religion in general.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies