Djoubti

Islam in Djibouti is the dominant and official religion of the country and plays a central role in its society, history, and politics.

Overview:

  • Religion: Islam is practiced by approximately 94–99% of Djibouti’s population.
  • Official Religion: Islam is declared as the state religion in Djibouti’s constitution.
  • The vast majority of Muslims in Djibouti are Sunni Muslims, following the Shafi’i school of jurisprudence.

Historical Background:

  • Early Arrival of Islam: Islam reached Djibouti very early—possibly during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—as Muslims from Arabia sought refuge in the Horn of Africa to escape persecution in Mecca (known as the First Hijra to Abyssinia).
  • The region was historically part of various Islamic sultanates such as the Ifat and Adal Sultanates.

Current Islamic Life:

  • Mosques: Every town and village in Djibouti has mosques, and the Call to Prayer (Adhan) is heard across cities like Djibouti City.
  • Islamic Practices: Public life pauses during the Friday Jumu’ah prayers; Ramadan is widely and strictly observed.
  • Sharia Law: Djibouti’s civil law is secular, but family law (marriage, divorce, inheritance) is governed by Islamic principles.

Islamic Education:

  • Quranic schools (madrasas) are common for children, teaching Quran recitation and basic Islamic studies.
  • Religious education is integrated into the national curriculum.

Religious Tolerance:

  • Though Islam is dominant, Djibouti is known for being peaceful and tolerant toward small Christian and other religious minorities.
  • Religious freedom is officially protected, but proselytizing Muslims is prohibited.

Islamic Influence on Culture:

  • Daily life, greetings (like “As-Salaamu Alaikum”), dress codes, and food customs (such as halal dietary laws) are heavily shaped by Islam.
  • Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are major public holidays celebrated nationwide.

Islamic Organizations:

  • The Ministry of Islamic Affairs regulates religious matters, imams, and Islamic education.
  • Islamic charities and organizations provide social welfare, especially during Ramadan and Eid.

Djoubti
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .dj
Country Code: +253