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| Muslims Reciting the Lord's Prayer |
Throughout
history Sierra Leone’s people were known to worship ancestors, the earth, and
also many gods. Not until a few hundred
years ago this all started to change. Sierra Leone’s current religion diversity
consists of Islam, Christianity, The Limba Religion, and some are also know to
practice Interfaith Fusion.
Islamic
practices have made a huge impact on Sierra Leone, ever since it was introduced
in the 18th century. In today’s society, 60 to 70 percent of the
country’s population identify as Muslim. The reason why Islam was so widely
accepted by the people of Sierra Leone was because of the similarities that existed
between Islamic practices, and the traditional values of the people of Sierra
Leone. The people seemed to gravitate to the fact that Islam accepted polygamy,
and also regular prayer.
In
comparison to Islam, Christianity has not had a huge effect on the people of
Sierra Leone. Between 10 to 30 percent of the population identify as Christians
in the small country. The majorities of the Christian community in Sierra Leone
are protestant, and choose to follow a very strict church doctrine. Many of the
people have not favored or chosen to follow the Christian life, because of the
church’s rejection of the traditional practices. Many of the people who have a
strong cultural identify are not able to accept the Christian lifestyle, and because
of this standards, Islam is the more favorably choice for the people.
One
of the most commonly known myths in response to religion is the Limba Religion.
The Limba Religion was originally developed by the Limba people who are one of
the oldest groups of people that were believed to be the first to inhabit
Sierra Leone. The Limba religion is
based on folklore where the Limba people believed that they were placed here on
earth by God, where he taught them how to grow food, perform certain task, responsible
for Limba’s cultural values, and also was the one who provided them with their
first chief. They also believe that this is why there is a significant logistic
difference between people the Limba and other languages. The Limba people religion
connects them to all aspects of their life. They also believe in sacrifices,
celebrations, and the supernatural is an important part of their lives. In today's, culture some can even witness some Limba people following Christianity
and also Islam in certain areas in Sierra Leone
Interfaith
fusion is commonly practiced in Sierra Leon, because of the freedom people have
to choose and change their religion at any time. Many of the people in Sierra
Leone have adopted practices from each religion, and use it in their very own
life. For example, a Muslim person can be seen praying in a Christian church
and vice versa, and people can be seen switching from different religions
frequently.
References:
- Manson, Katrina/ Knight, James/ McClanahan, Piage (CON). Bradt Sierra Leone. Globe Pequot Pr, 2013. Page 37
- Clark, Agatha, and Demand Media. "Religion and Beliefs of Sierra Leone | The Classroom | Synonym." Religion and Beliefs of Sierra Leone | The Classroom | Synonym. Web. 02 June 2016.
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