The Soninke comprise only 2 million of West Africa's 100 million Muslims, yet they have played a surprisingly influential role in the region's history. In particular, the entrance of Islam into the region properly begins with them. Today, Islam as practised by the Soninke is broadly similar to that of other West African ethnic groups. There is a strong reliance on jujus - amulets often consisting of Qur'anic verses.