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Islam is the dominant religion in the country of Mali. However, some other religions also exist in various parts of Mali. Located in the western region of Africa, Mali enjoys a population of 11,716,829, among which 95% is Muslim. The rest follows Christianity and other ethnic religions. Mali religion plays a very significant role in the culture of the country.
Ancient Religion of Mali
These communities pray to the Spirit of the Land in order to increase the growth and quality of the crops. This is an ancient traditional belief, which is still followed by Mali people. They believed that the chief of the village had direct contact with the spirit and honored their respective leaders in order to please the spirit. Thus the leader of the village was the secular religious head of the community.
Islamic Religion in Mali
During the 13th century, with increasing trade through the Sahara desert, Islam was introduced in western Sudan, which became Mali later. Mali was mostly ruled by Muslim emperors. Slowly and gradually, Islam became the dominant religion of the country. Several Islamic universities started being established throughout the country and Islam became an integral part of culture, education and trade.
In this context, it must be mentioned that the Islamic religion of the country never demeaned the traditional beliefs of the few Mali tribes and ethnic groups.
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