Islam in Africa

Islam predominantly represented in West and North Africa

The Islamic faith took hold in the mid-18th century, at which time the western part of Africa was particularly strongly influenced by Islam. Not only the lived faith of the people, but also the buildings clearly show that these parts of the country are under the faith of the Koran. In some, less civilized tribes of Africa, Islam is practiced in modified forms, but fundamental structures of faith are recognizable and are practiced by civilians and tribal members. In the northern and western parts of Africa, there are numerous mosques, which are frequently used to perform prayer rituals.

African influence on Islam

The Islamic religion is, worldwide, one of the most commonly practiced religions alongside Christianity. Some principles of Islamic doctrine are contrary to African culture, so that over time the influence of the country on Islam has been noticeable. While Africans, for example, place great value on the respect for deceased ancestors, such rites are largely rejected by Islam. However, the African principle has prevailed here, and despite the practice of the Islamic religion, the memories of the deceased are cherished and respected in Africa.

Subordination of African women through Islam

The Islamic religion has the reputation of oppressing practicing women and subordinating them to men. People without the Islamic faith often cannot comprehend this practice and react with incomprehension. In Africa, however, the role of women in Islam is clearly defined and is accepted and lived by them. Women do not have a lower status than men; they have a different area of responsibility than men, are responsible for the upbringing and care of children, while men are responsible for financial security. In some African cultures, a strict separation of men and women in different areas of life is practiced; in some cases, for example, African men are not allowed to eat if women are present in the same room. It is impossible to assess to what extent such religious rules are actually practiced in all families.

There is no general assumption of the oppression of Islamic women in Africa, as there have repeatedly been influential women in Africa in the past and many female saints are revered. The separation of the areas of responsibility between men and women in Africa is seen as a sign of respect towards the female population; married couples have significantly more shared obligations and are also allowed to share meals.