What is the religion in Tanzania?

About Tanzania

 

La Tanzania, country of East Africa, located at the edge of the coast between Kenya and Mozambique is known for offering extraordinary possibilities of safaris in the many national parks and national reserves present on the territory. Tanzania is also known for its archipelago of paradise islands who is none other than Zanzibar.

But we must not forget Tanzania for his people of extreme kindness and generosity.

Tanzania is a country where the religion is very present and important for Tanzanians.

 

What is the religion in Tanzania?

 

Three great religions coexist in Tanzania:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Animism

La Religion holds a extremely important place in the daily life of the inhabitants. Each religious holiday is celebrated on the occasion of major festivities.

There is no official study and update on the distribution of religions in the country.

However, estimate is the following :

• 45% Christians : this religion in Tanzania has its roots in German and English domination. Christians are predominantly Protestants, Lutherans, Anglicans or Presbyterians. There is a minority of Catholics.

• 35% of Muslims : Islam practiced in this country is mostly Sunni Islam. It is inherited from the rule of the Sultanate of Oman. Most Muslims are found on the Indian Ocean coast as well as on Zanzibar. Namely there are a large number of Muslims in Dar Es Salaam.

• 20% relate to animist beliefs : it is the belief in a spirit, a vital force, which animates living beings, objects but also natural elements, such as stones or the wind, as well as in protective geniuses. This minority is found mainly inland. It is mainly the tribes who live in the most traditional way with the cults and rituals linked to this African tradition. 

What is the religion in Zanzibar?

Islam is the dominant religion in Zanzibar at 98%.

Islam in Zanzibar 

It comes from two centuries of Omani colonization. 

Muslim tradition is very grounded and powerful in Zanzibar. 

I was able to spend two months on the island of Zanzibar, with the locals and the religion takes an extremely important part in the daily life of the inhabitants.

From an early age, little girls wear the veil. The children, even before starting school, go to la Madrassa which is the Koranic school. They go there from 3 years old. And when the children start school, they continue to go to La Madrassa on weekends. 

In Zanzibar you will find very little, if any, alcohol outside of tourist areas, Muslims being very serious with religion.

I have the good fortune to attend two traditional Muslim weddings. 

To give you an idea of ​​the tradition, at the time of marriage la young wife had never seen her future husband, she was covered with a veil until she signed the marriage documents. 

 

If you go to the island, do not forget that this archipelago is very religious and traditional. You should therefore, out of respect for the locals, you cover shoulders and legs (more for women).

You will most certainly hear the call to prayer several times a day if you are near a monastery.

Also, be aware that during ramadan the archipelago slows down and that a some establishments are closed.

Other religious minorities in Zanzibar

Un number of religious minorities have settled in Zanzibar throughout history.

Stone Town, capital of Zanzibar, is known for its diversity of cultures with many indo-pakistani. 

But there is also a small concentration of Christians on the island. There are two major churches on Unguja Island in Stone Town.

In the village where I stayed for 2 months, I only met three Christians, the other inhabitants were all Muslims. 

The different religions are accepted and the inhabitants live well together!