The Last Imam

by Ibrahim Tahir

244 pages, Hardcover

First published December 2, 2005

Reviews

[Kingsley Okechukwu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book, so much. Ibrahim Tahir wrote this book with all sincerity. In reality, writers of Islamic faith hardly write anything that seemingly questions there faith. But not Tahir. Not only did he create a flawed character as imam, he showed how Northern Nigerian version of Islam is rooted in pagan Hausa rites and rituals. The major conflict is the battle between a religious ruler with underlined political powers and a political leader with a religious pretext.
The novel is funny, entertaining and revealing. It is not great writing, no. One does not come to this novel looking to learn new tricks for his craft. No, one comes to this novel seeking to learn something new about Islam as practiced in Northern Nigeria.
This book is a Nigerian classic. It isn't popular, yes, because the powers that be in Northern Nigeria won't let it show its head. It is a shame.