Islam in Libya
Overview
In Libya, Islam dominates the religious landscape, with over 90% of Libyans being Arabic-speaking Sunni Muslims of mixed Arab and Berber ancestry. Small pockets of people still practice Berber folk religions, while Sufi orders (primarily Sanusi) are prominently practiced in rural areas.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الإسلام في ليبيا
- Turkish: Libya’da İslam
History
Colonial and Monarchical Period
Libya declared its independence and established a monarchy in 1951, following a particularly brutal period of Italian colonial rule. King Idris al-Sanusi, the grandson of the Sanusi Sufi order’s founder, ascended to the throne. His reign, however, largely ignored the demands of a younger generation and economic pressures arising from a burgeoning oil economy.
Gaddafi’s Rule
The monarchy was toppled in a military coup in 1969 led by Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi introduced his “Green Book” that set forth his Third Universal Theory, which purported to offer an alternative to both communism and capitalism. This theory emphasized unity, direct popular democracy, and Islamic socialism as foundational elements of Libyan politics and society. Gaddafi’s syncretic political, legal, and economic reforms significantly weakened the traditional power base of the `ulama (Islamic scholars).
Islamic Movements and Resistance
By the mid-1980s, underground Islamic movements such as Hizb al-Tahrir (the Liberation Party) and the Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan al-Muslimin) became active in resisting Gaddafi’s policies. With legal avenues for protest being curtailed, Islamist resistance against Gaddafi persisted. Internationally, the National Front for the Salvation of Libya (NFSL), founded in 1981, consistently opposed Gaddafi’s regime with the goal of establishing a constitutional and democratically elected government in Libya.
Key Figures in Libyan Islam
- King Idris al-Sanusi: Monarch and a significant religious figure connected with the Sanusi Sufi order.
- Muammar Gaddafi: Military leader and proponent of the Green Book, significantly reshaping Libyan political and religious life.
Sufi Orders
The Sanusi Sufi order played a substantial role in shaping rural Islamic practices and acted as a unifying force within the country. The order’s influence was notable in terms of both spiritual guidance and social organization, particularly in the Libyan desert’s semi-settled tribes.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “A History of Modern Libya” by Dirk Vandewalle - This book provides a comprehensive overview of Libya’s modern history, including the impact of Islam.
- “Libya: From Colony to Revolution” by Ronald Bruce St John - Focuses on Libya’s transition from colonialism to the Gaddafi era.
- “The Sanusi of Cyrenaica” by E.E. Evans-Pritchard - Explores the history and influence of the Sanusi Sufi order in Libya.
Conclusion
Islam in Libya is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of its historical, cultural, and political contexts. Influenced by its Arab and Berber ancestry, and shaped through its encounters with colonialism and Gaddafi’s rule, Islam in Libya continues to evolve. While the country primarily identifies with Sunni Islam, regional variations like Sufism (particularly the Sanusi order) demonstrate the diversity within Libyan Islam. As Libya’s political landscape continues to change, so too will the roles and interpretations of Islam within this North African nation.
Key Takeaways
- Dominant Religion: Over 90% of Libyans are Sunni Muslims.
- Historical Transitions: From colonial rule to monarchy, followed by Gaddafi’s rule impacting Islamic practices and governance.
- Islamic Movements: Various underground movements and external groups like NFSL continue to influence Libyan Islamic dynamics.
- Cultural Influences: The Sanusi Sufi order remains a significant cultural and spiritual force in rural Libya.
This entry aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the impact and evolution of Islam within the context of Libyan history and society.
