Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Pray with us for these African countries. Muslims represent 41.3% of the population in Africa, growing at a rate of 2.5% per year (mainly as a result of having large families). Islam first spread from the Middle East to North Africa and then eventually towards the south.

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.