Islam in Senegal

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Islam is the predominant religion in Senegal. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the country's population is estimated to be Muslim.^[1] Most muslims in Senegal are members of one of the Sufi brotherhoods.

Contents 1 History 2 Schools of thought 3 Literature and film 4 Extremism 5 See also 6 Notes 7 References

[edit] History

Islam may have entered the area of present day Senegal as early as the 11th century although it only took hold with the conversion of the Damel of Cayor, Lat Dyor Diop in around 1861. In the 19th century Sufi brotherhoods such as the Tijani and Muridiyyah fought against French and British colonization. French colonists established a secular state, which the independent Senegalese government has maintained. The Muridi tariqah is based in Touba, a state within a state in which there is no governor, no administration, and no police force. Veiling is not required, and criminal activity is rare. Alcohol, cigarettes, loud music, and politics are banned.

[edit] Schools of thought

Senegalese Muslims are overwhelmingly members of Sufi brotherhoods. The two major orders are the Tijaniyyah and the Muridiyyah although the Qadiriyyah and the Layene are also represented. Persons become members of these groups either by adherence to their preferred Marabout or through their parentage.

[edit] Literature and film

After the conversion of Lat Dyor Diop many began writing on Islam in both Wolof and Arabic. The tagg, or ode song in Wolof, was reused in an Islamic context—an important integration of pre-Islamic style into the new Muslim paradigm.^[2]

[edit] Extremism

The Sufi brotherhoods of Senegal have not been historically destabilizing to the secular government of Senegal. Some fear that this trend is changing since Islam has become more politicized in recent time. Indicators, including as small Wahabi population, suggest it may become the first Black African Islamic state but stresses that it does not imply an extremist one.^[3]

[edit] See also

• Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal
• Lebou

[edit] Notes

1. ^  Senegal, CIA World Factbook
2. ^  Mbye, 447-448
3. ^  Ousman, 80-82

[edit] References

• Abdelkérim Ousman, "The Potential of Islamist Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa", International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society, Volume 18, Issue 1 - 2, Dec 2004, pp. 65

• Mbye B. Cham, "Islam in Senegalese Literature and Film", Africa: Journal of the International African Institute, Vol. 55, No. 4, Popular Islam, 1985 pp. 447-464.

• Senegal. CIA World Factbook. January 10, 2005.