Islam in Liberia

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Islam in Liberia is widespread, with an estimated 20% of Liberians professing the religion. The vast majority of Liberian Muslims are Sunni, with only a few Lebanese being Shi'ites. The Ahmadiyya, whom most orthodox Muslims consider heretical, are also slightly represented. The primary Muslim ethnic groups are the Vai and Mandingo. Islam is believed to have come to what is now Liberia between the 11th and 15th centuries, compared to Christianity's arrival in 1822 with the repatriation of the modern Krio people.

1 Islam under the Americo-Liberians
2 Islam under Charles Taylor
3 Islam today
4 External links

[edit] Islam under the Americo-Liberians

Muslims generally suffered under the Americo-Liberian governments of Liberia from its inception. The first high level Muslim government official was Momolu Dukuly (who was also the first "native" foreign minister in Liberia's history). He became foreign minister in 1954 under Edwin Barclay and continued that position under Barclay's successor, William Tubman. Dukuly had to apostate himself and embrace Christianity before entering the government. Ruth Perry, former prominent ambassador, is also an example of this policy of forced Christianization.

[edit] Islam under Charles Taylor

Islam was heavily promulgated under former President Charles Taylor, primarily for political reasons. Taylor was an ally of Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafiand received training in Libya before returning. As such, Taylor's regime favored Muslims in several ways, including the sending of 220 Muslims on the annual Hajj in 2001, as well as giving the Liberia Muslim's council a prominent building in Monrovia and the designation of 2 hours of national broadcasting weekly for Muslim-related matters.

[edit] Islam today

As of 2006, the conditions of Muslims in Liberia seem to be fairly even with those of most other indigenous peoples, which is to say, nearly destitute. In religious terms, most Muslims lack Mosques, Islamic schools, Religious leadership (I.E. Imams) and other traditionally Muslim institutions. Muslims allegedly face great pressure to embrace Christianity by missionaries, primarily because of economic concerns. [1]