Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-14 14:06:13
In sub-Saharan Africa, there has been a long history of religious tolerance between Muslims and Christians, particularly in Sierra Leone. As of 2020, Africa had approximately 650 million Christians and 330 million Muslims. In Sierra Leone, Ramadan began on a Monday and is a time of fasting, prayer, and introspection for Muslims.
Despite the religious differences, Sierra Leone stands out as a positive example of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. In this West African nation, 77% of the population identifies as Muslim and 22% as Christian. This harmony is exemplified by the tradition of Christians providing food for their Muslim friends and family members during Ramadan.
A 2022 survey conducted in Freetown by the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) revealed that the residents have strong social bonds across different religions. This interreligious mixing is quite extraordinary, with many people having friends and family members from different religious backgrounds.
Sierra Leoneans show a great deal of respect for individuals of different faiths. This respect is demonstrated in their behavior towards others and how they speak about people from different religions. The attitude towards religious diversity in Sierra Leone promotes peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among its citizens.
The country’s openness to different religions is further evident in personal stories, such as a Muslim man marrying a Christian woman without coercion and living peacefully among siblings and friends of different religious beliefs. Sierra Leone even elected a Christian president, Julius Maada Bio, in a predominantly Muslim-majority nation.
Compared to other nations in sub-Saharan Africa, Sierra Leone’s religious tolerance is a shining example. Despite being a deeply religious and conservative continent, Africa has a high degree of religious tolerance. More than 95% of Africans identify with a religion, with Christians and Muslims comprising 56% and 34% of the population, respectively.
While there are challenges to religious harmony in some parts of Africa, Sierra Leone continues to advocate for peace and bring people of different religions together. As Ramadan unfolds in the country, the culture of interreligious harmony persists, with Christian brothers preparing food for their Muslim siblings as a gesture of solidarity.
In conclusion, Sierra Leone exemplifies a culture of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. Despite the challenges faced by religious diversity in Africa, Sierra Leone continues to promote unity, respect, and understanding among its citizens of different faiths.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
