Islam in Zambia

Zambia is officially a Christian country, with adherents of Islam being at 2.7% minority in the country.^[1] However, Zambia's constitution guarantees the freedom of religion and conscience, and Muslims are free to proselytize and build places of worship in the country.

History

A mosque in Lusaka

The presence of Islam in Zambia dates after the 12th century onward when Muslims established emirates on the coast of East Africa. In the 18th century, Muslim ivory and slave merchants extended their business to the hinterland regions reaching Zambia in the period of the Omani dynasty Al Bu Said. Muslim traders entered Zambia from their trading bases on the coast of Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique.

The earliest permanent community of Muslims in Zambia emerged in the early 20th century when Yao merchants settled in Lusaka.^[2]

Many Muslims entered Zambia during the colonial period, primarily came from the Indian subcontinent establishing themselves along the railways in the central part of the country from Livingstone to Lusaka.^[3] In the 1970's, Zambian Muslims began registering associations for organizing the activities and resources of the community. Multiple associations exist that represent different ethnic groups and branches of Islamic practices.^[2]

Demographics

In 2014, there are 100,000 Muslims in Zambia, representing 2.7% of total population.^[4][5] Although Zambia is officially a "Christian Nation" there is freedom of religion and Muslims generally are accepted in the society. The vast majority of Muslims in Zambia are Sunni. A small Ismaili Shia community is also present. There are about 500 people belonging to the Ahmadiyya sect in Islam.^[6]

Most Zambian Muslims are of Indian descent though there is a significant native convert community. Immigrants from West Africa and the Middle East comprise the rest of the Muslim population.^[7]

References

1. "Zambia".
2. Mwale, Nelly (2022-06-06). "Media Representations of Local Muslim Associations' Acts of Charity in Zambia's Multi-Religious but Christian-Dominated Context since the 2010s". Islamic Africa. 13 (1): 47–65. doi:10.1163/21540993-01202003. ISSN 0803-0685. S2CID 250436656.
3. Juergensmeyer, Mark; Roof, Wade Clark (2011). Encyclopedia of Global Religion. SAGE Publications. pp. 1399–1400. ISBN 978-1-4522-6656-5.
4. "Zambia".
5. "Zambia Religion Facts & Stats". www.nationmaster.com. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
6. Some basics of religious education in Zambia. Mission Press. 2007. ISBN 9789982073370. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
7. Taylor, Scott D. (2006). Culture and Customs of Zambia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 35. ISBN 978-0-313-33246-3.

External links

• Population of Muslims around the world