Islam in Djibouti

Overview

Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, has a population where approximately 96% of its 490,000 inhabitants adhere to Sunni Islam. The majority of these Muslims follow the Shafi’i legal tradition. This Islamic sectarianship is deeply interwoven with the cultural and social fabric of the country. Many of Djibouti’s Sunni Muslims are also part of various Sufi brotherhoods.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

The demographic breakdown of Djibouti is predominantly comprised of two major ethnic groups:

• Somalis: around 60% of the population
• Afar: around 35% of the population

Sufi Influence

Several prominent Sufi brotherhoods (Arabic: “Turuq Sufiyya” الطرق الصوفية, Turkish: “Tasavvuf Tarikatlari”) shape the spiritual life of many Muslims in Djibouti:

• Qadiri (Arabic: “القادرية”)
• Ahmadi (Arabic: “الأحمدية”)
• Salihi (Arabic: “الصالحية”)

These brotherhoods contribute not only to the religious but also to the social and cultural practices within Djibouti.

Legal System Post-Independence

Following Djibouti’s independence from France in 1977, the nation developed a legal system that:

• Incorporates elements of French jurisprudence
• Integrates customary practices
• Is influenced significantly by Islamic law (Shari’a)

This mixed legal system underscores how deeply Islamic traditions are embedded within the national fabric.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الإسلام في جيبوتي (Al-Islām fī Jībūtī)
• Turkish: Cibuti’de İslam

Recommended Reads for Further Studies

1. “A History of Islam in Africa” edited by Nehemia Levtzion and Randall L. Pouwels
   • Insightful for understanding the broader context of Islam’s penetration and influence in Africa.
2. “The Holy War of Umar Tal: The Western Sudan in the Mid-Nineteenth Century” by John Ralph Willis
   • Explores regional religious and cultural dynamics that can offer a deeper context for Islamic practices.
3. “Islam in Africa South of the Sahara: Essays in Gender Relations and Political Reform” by Eva E. Rosander and David Westerlund
   • Provides essays highlighting aspects of gender and political changes within Islam in the African setting.

Takeaways

• Nearly the entire population of Djibouti adheres to Sunni Islam, primarily following the Shafi’i school.
• The country has diverse Sufi influences that manifest through brotherhoods like the Qadiri, Ahmadi, and Salihi.
• Post-independence, the legal infrastructure combines French judicial frameworks with Islamic legal traditions, making Djibouti a fascinating study of legal pluralism.

Conclusion

The influence of Islam in Djibouti is profound, shaping its legal, social, and cultural life deeply. The coexistence of French influences with strong Islamic traditions highlights Djibouti’s unique identity at the crossroads of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.