Islam in Togo explained

Islam in Togo represents 18%[1] to over a third (33%) of the total population.[2] Islam came to Togo about the same time as it did much of West Africa. The vast majority of Muslims in Togo are Sunni of Maliki school of jurisprudence, some Ahmadiyya and Shia Muslims.

History

Islam was first introduced into West Africa south of the Sahara, across the salt and gold trade routes. Islamicized Berber and Tuareg merchants traveled the trans-Saharan trade routes. As time passed, Muslim clerics and scholars — teaching their beliefs and setting up places of worship along the routes — accompanied traders on their journeys. The Hausa Mande and the Fulani, a traditionally nomadic group, traveled all over West Africa, taking their Muslim beliefs to places such as present-day Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

Demographics

Estimates on the number of Muslims in Togo vary depending on the source. The CIA World Factbook puts the figure at 20%. A 2020 projection by the Pew Research Center gives an estimate of 14% of the population or 1,020,000 people.[3]

Organizations

The Federation of Togo Muslims is the largest Muslim organization in the country. It takes care of the Islam-related affairs and denounce extremism.[4]

Notable Muslims

Notes and References

  1. Web site: National Profiles . 2022-11-02 . www.thearda.com.
  2. News: Logo. Alphonse. 17 June 2015. Togolese Muslims begin spiritual preparations for Ramadan. AA. 5 September 2021.
  3. Web site: Religions in Togo PEW-GRF . 2022-11-02 . www.globalreligiousfutures.org.
  4. News: 22 February 2013. Muslims playing active role in Togo. Arab News. 5 September 2021.