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Paper short abstract:

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim's novel Season of Crimson Blossoms is studied as a prism through which the complexities of Islamic subjectivity within the context of diaspora Islam are investigated. This study attempts an untangling of the complex layers of religion, gender and politics in the novel.

Paper long abstract:

This paper undertakes a rigorous examination of Abubakar Adam Ibrahim's acclaimed novel Season of Crimson Blossoms as a prism through which to explore the complexities of Islamic subjectivity within the context of diaspora Islam. Situated within the fields of postcolonial studies and Islamic cultural criticism, this paper uses a multifaceted analytical approach to untangle the complex layers of religious identity, gender dynamics, and socio-political upheavals depicted in Ibrahim's narrative tapestry.

Central to the analysis is the interrogation of how Season of Crimson Blossoms traverses the liminal spaces of diaspora, foregrounding the experiences of Nigerian Muslims grappling with existential dilemmas, moral ambiguities, and the perennial quest for spiritual transcendence amidst the backdrop of social upheaval and cultural transformation. Through a close reading of key textual passages and thematic motifs, the paper elucidates how Ibrahim's narrative disrupts hegemonic discourses surrounding Islam and gender, inviting readers to confront the complexities of religious subjectivity and ethical agency in the context of diasporic existence.

Additionally, the research places Ibrahim's book in the larger context of diaspora literature and analyzes how it challenges essentialist ideas of religious identity and cultural authenticity while addressing transnational themes of displacement, belonging, and cultural hybridity. It highlights the transformative potential of literature as a catalyst for critical reflection and socio-cultural change within diasporic communities by elevating the voices of marginalized characters and emphasizing their struggles for self-actualization and social recognition. This study adds to the continuing scholarly discussions about the relationship between literature, religion, and diaspora identity.