Islam in Raya to 1850s: Introduction, consolidation, and conversions

This article reconstructs the history of Islam in Raya up to the 1850s. The study examined the introduction and consolidation of Islam in the region. It also analyzed the interactions and clashes between Muslim and Christian leaders, especially in the 15th century and later. Finally, it explored the socio-religious and political impact of Imam Ahmäd ibn- Ibrahim’s campaigns in the region. To achieve the above objectives, this article used primary and secondary sources: archival sources, informant interviews, and existing literature, including chronicles, travelers’ accounts, journal articles, conference papers, and books. This article refutes the claim that the introduction of Islam in Raya dates back to the nineteenth century. It revealed that Islam had been present in the region since the 13th century and that the Oromo adopted Islam from local Muslims. This study also found that the demographic change in terms of religion was mainly due to the campaigns of Baede Mariyam and Imam Ahmäd. The Oromo population movement had its own impact on the history of Islam Raya. The history of Islam in Raya was characterized by ebbs and flows during the period under consideration. There were clashes and interactions between Muslim and Christian armies and the Oromo. These developments changed the religious demographics and the social, economic, and political landscape of the regions.