Islam in Tanzania
Overview
Islam forms a significant component of Tanzania’s cultural and religious landscape. The mainland population is approximately 45% Christian, 35% Muslim, and 20% adherents of indigenous religions. In Zanzibar, the proportion of Muslims is much higher.
Historical Spread
Islam was introduced to Tanzania through trade along the East African coast, an interaction facilitated by Arab and Persian merchants. In the twentieth century, the spread of Islam into the Tanzanian interior was further propelled by the influence of various Sufi orders, fostering a permeation of Islamic beliefs and practices among diverse communities.
Sufism and Brotherhoods
Sufism holds a significant place in Tanzanian Islam. Approximately 70% of Tanzanian Sunnis are associated with Sufi orders. The Qadiriyya (Arabic: القادرية, Turkish: Kadirilik) is the most prominent, encompassing about 75% of all Sufi adherents in the country. Other active brotherhoods include the Shadhili (الشاذلية, Şazeliye), Askari, Ahmadi-Dandarawi (احمدي داندرواي, Ahmedi-Dandaravi) and Rifai (الرفاعية, Rifailik).
Post-Independence Dynamics
Post-independence, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, which united in 1964, have experienced ongoing tensions. Although Tanzania’s government has often adopted pro-capitalist, pro-Western stances, the Muslim population, particularly in Zanzibar, has occasionally opposed these policies, leading to socio-political friction.
Etymology and Language
- Arabic: تانزانيا، الإسلام في
- Turkish: Tanzanya’da İslam
Further Studies
To expand understanding of Islam in Tanzania, the following books and resources are recommended:
- Islam and the Swahili Coast: East-Side Stories by Stephanie Wynne-Jones
- Works of Allah: African Studies in Religion and Culture by Roman Loimeier
Conclusion
Islam’s history in Tanzania is intertwined with the seafaring trade legacy and the Sufi influences that have deeply shaped religious practices on the mainland and Zanzibar. Though socio-political tensions arise, the resilience of religious brotherhoods and their role in cultural cohesion remains central to understanding Islam in Tanzania.
Takeaways
- Islam accounts for approximately 35% of the population on Tanzania’s mainland.
- Trade played a crucial role in the spread of Islam on the East African coast.
- Sufism is a significant influence, particularly the Qadiriyya order.
- Tanzania’s complex socio-political landscape impacts Muslim-Christian relations and internal cohesion.
