Islam in Mali
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Islam is very important to traditional Malian culture. Muslims currently make up approximately 95 percent of the population of
Islam has been present in West Africa for over a millennium, and Mali has been the center of various Islamic empires, such as the Ghana Empire and the Songhai Empire. Mali was a French colony and now follows the secular French model in which the government does not intervene in religious matters.[3]
Islam as practiced in the country until recently was reported to be relatively tolerant and adapted to local conditions. Women participated in economic and political activity, engaged in social interaction, and generally did not wear veils. Islam in Mali has absorbed mystical elements, ancestor veneration and the
There has been a surge in conservative interpretations of Islam in recent decades, particularly in Northern Mali where extremist groups have targeted religious minorities with violence. Despite this surge, many Muslim leaders have argued against the imposition of Sharia law. Christian missionaries have not observed any discrimination against Christians or other minorities in areas under government control, and have reported that the government has continued to adhere to the constitutional requirement to treat all religions equally.[4]
History
During the 9th century, Muslim
The most significant of the Mali kings was Mansa Musa (1312–1337), who expanded Mali's influence over the large Niger city-states of Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenné. Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim who was reported to have built various major mosques throughout the Mali sphere of influence; his gold-laden pilgrimage to Mecca made him a well-known figure in the historical record.
Muslims in Mali
Relations between the Muslim majority and the Christian and other religious minorities—including practitioners of
Since the imposition of
The implementation of Sharia in the rebel-controlled north has included the banning of music, cutting off the hands or feet of thieves, stoning of adulterers, and public whippings of smokers, alcohol drinkers, and improperly dressed women.[7] Several Islamic sites in Mali have been destroyed or damaged by vigilante activists linked to Al Qaeda extremists who have claimed that the sites represent "idol worship".[8]
Some foreign Islamic preachers operate in the north of the country, while mosques associated with Dawa (an
In August 2003, a conflict erupted in the village of Yerere in Western Mali when traditional Sunni practitioners attacked
Foreign Christian missionary groups based in Europe have engaged in development work, primarily the provision of health care and education.
Status of religious freedom
The constitution provides for freedom of religion and does not permit any form of religious discrimination or intolerance by the government or individual persons. There is no state religion as the constitution defines the country as a secular state and allows for religious practices that do not pose a threat to social stability and peace.[1]
The government requires that all public associations, including religious associations, register with the government. However, registration confers no tax preference and no other legal benefits, and failure to register is not penalized in practice. Traditional indigenous religions are not required to register.[1]
A number of foreign missionary groups operate in the country without government interference. Both Muslims and non-Muslims are allowed to convert people freely.
Family law, including laws pertaining to divorce, marriage, and inheritance, is based on a mixture of local tradition and Islamic law and practice.
During presidential elections held in April and May 2002, the Government and political parties emphasized the secularity of the state. A few days prior to the elections, a radical Islamic leader called on Muslims to vote for former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. The High Council of Islam, the most senior Islamic body in the country, severely criticized the statement and reminded all citizens to vote for the candidate of their choice.
In January 2002, the High Council was created to coordinate religious affairs for the entire Muslim community and standardize the quality of preaching in mosques. All Muslim groups in the country currently recognize its authority.
Extremism
Extremists have been responsible for some reprehensible acts in Mali, most notably what has been nicknamed the
Many towns in Mali are falling victim to extremist groups’ implementation of their sect's interpretation of Sharia law, by which many African cultures and enjoyments have been denied.[7] A recent report in The Guardian revealed that extremist groups have banned music in certain regions and were known to turn up randomly in villages, armed with weaponry, to burn musical instruments and musical items on bonfires. One guitarist was threatened that his fingers would be chopped off if he ever showed his face in one town again.[7] On 18 May 2017, a man and a woman were stoned to death for living maritally without being married.[10] According to officials, the extremists first dug two holes, one for the man and the other for the woman, then the couple was buried up to their necks and then four extremists started throwing stones on them and continued throwing until they died from their wounds.[11] Public were invited to take part in this stoning. The couple was accused of violating Islamic law by living together without marriage.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "International Religious Freedom Report 2015 - Mali". Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 29 March 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
- ^ "The World's Muslims: Unity and Diversity" (PDF). Pew Forum on Religious & Public life. August 9, 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ Lebovich, Andrew (1 November 2019). "Sacred struggles: How Islam shapes politics in Mali – European Council on Foreign Relations". ECFR.
- ^ "2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Mali". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
- ^ Report points to 100 million persecuted Christians. Archived 2015-04-06 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 10 Jan 2013.
- ^ "OPEN DOORS World Watch list 2012". Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ a b c Morgan, Andy (23 October 2012). "Mali: no rhythm or reason as militants declare war on music". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 December 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ^ Hughes, Dana (2012-07-03). "Al Qaeda destroys Timbuktu shrines, ancient city's spirit". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2012-07-06. Retrieved 2012-07-06.
- ^ "Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor - Mali". US Department of State. 2006-03-08. Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ "Unmarried couple stoned to death in Mali for breaking 'Islamic law'". The Independent. 18 May 2017. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
- ^ "Unmarried Mali couple stoned to death for violating 'Islamic law'". The Telegraph. 18 May 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
- ^ "Unmarried couple stoned to death in Mali for 'violating Islamic law'". The Guardian. 18 May 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
External links
- Watling, Jack; Raymond, Paul (26 November 2015). "The struggle for Mali". Guardian online. Retrieved 20 November 2016.