Islamic practices have also been modified to adapt to Limba culture. This branch is only 5% of Muslims in Sierra Leone. This includes the infamous Groundnut Stew (a.k.a. The next most popular religion is Christianity and followers of this religion account for 20.9% of the total population of the country. Rice In Every Meal. After the British left and the country gained independence, Islam continued to spread in Sierra Leone and soon nearly the entire population became affiliated to the religion. Muslims in Sierra Leone are primarily Sunnis of the Maliki school. The faith was introduced to the country during the 18th century by small trading groups, and grew in popularity over the next two centuries. The capital city of the country has a significant Hindu population and a Hindu association. The whole of Sierra Leone covers some 28,000 square miles (72,500 square kilometers), roughly the size of South Carolina. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. Sierra Leone is a predominantly Muslim country, though with an influential Christian minority. The residents of Sierra Leone were especially receptive to Islam because Islamic practices such as regular prayer and polygamy were compatible with traditional values. Sierra Leone is regarded as one of the most religiously tolerant nations in the world. Sierra Leone - Indigenous Beliefs. Today, we will read about the top 5 dishes from Sierra Leone. Fry fry. The peninsula's mountain range is covered by tropical rain forests split by deep valleys and adorned with impressive waterfalls. Unique Sierra Leone content for tourists, students, business or those interested in our world! Only women and girls prepare the food. Activity 3 – Birth in Sierra Leone – Zeinab Mroue In Sierra Leone, the entire concept of birth, pregnancy and delivery, is one of the most private topics among society. Sierra Leone is known as one of the world’s most religiously tolerant nation. Most churches and mosques were registered with the Council of Churches, Evangelical Fellowship, or United Council of Imams. Sierra Leone Culture Religion in Sierra Leone. Cassava is a major staple food of their diet. Sacrifices, rituals and celebrations are important parts of daily life. Estimates vary, but between 10 percent and 30 percent of the population identify as Christian. A fusional practice that incorporates the traditions of multiple faiths is a common characteristic of religions in Sierra Leone. Diviners are consulted in times of illness or ominous experience, and the Mende believe in the power of witches. Roman Catholics constitute about 5% of the population of the country. The largest is the Limba, whose religion is followed by the majority of adherents to traditional African religions in the country. a consttutional plot against african traditional religion by nightwatch news paper in sierra leone. There are Christian, Muslim and Traditional weddings in Sierra Leone. That said, since the end of the civil war, the people and the government have done a tremendous job of moving forward and rebuilding the country. Islam is the most widely practised religion, with about 78% of the population being of the Muslim faith. Although Britain colonized the country at a later period, Christianity was not accepted by the masses in the country. Liner notes contain song descriptions, substantial cultural and historical information about the Mende, and illustrations. As in most of sub-Saharan Africa, ATR is the indigenous religion of Sierra Leone. Magic, divination and polygamy are forbidden; believers are also often encouraged to take Christian names. This right is generally safeguarded by the government of the country. Islam has influenced traditional Limba practices and beliefs; for example, the Limba adopted Islamic naming day conventions and burial rituals. Only a small percentage of Muslims, about 8%, adhere to the Ahmadiyya sect of the religion while a still smaller percentage belong to the Shia community. Other beliefs including traditional African religions have a small percentage of followers in the country. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com, Civil War In Sierra Leone And The Role Of "Blood Diamonds", 10 Countries Where Women Far Outnumber Men, The Most Famous Serial Killers In America And Their Twisted Crimes. Sierra Leone Overview - Overview - Customs and Culture - Diet and Recipes - Language - Religion - Interesting Facts. Christians in Sierra Leone are predominantly Protestants and adhere strictly to church doctrine. There are many cultural practices that go along with pregnancy and birthing rituals, as well as after the baby is born. By the close of the nineteenth century, Islam had become the religion of many Sierra Leoneans. Joe Alie, a professor of African studies at the University of Sierra Leone, said more than 90 percent of the country's population was involved in ancestral and secret rites. They speak a distinctive language that is unrelated to the other languages in Sierra Leone. At the beginning of the 18th century, Islam was spread among the Temne people of Sierra Leone by tribesmen from Guinea. Sierra Leone is rich in mineral resources, has since long relied on mining, especially of diamonds, for … The constitution also forbids the establishment of any state religion in the country. Most of Sierra Leone’s Christians are Protestants including large populations of Evangelical Protestants and Methodists. . The country is a secular state with the constitution granting the people of the country the freedom to practice the religion of their choice. The country is composed of three primary religious groups: Muslims, Christians and adherents to traditional African beliefs. Muslims and Christians collaborate and interact with each other peacefully. Religious plurality is extremely important to the culture of Sierra Leone. There is hardly any case of religious violence in the nation and both Christians and Muslims, the adherents of the two major religions in Sierra Leone, live in perfect harmony. The cuisine of Sierra Leone is similar to other West-African nations. Muslims also practice divination and use magic cures derived from traditional remedies. Islam is the religion of the majority in Sierra Leone. Fry fry. Religious Practitioners. The population of Sierra Leone is composed of more than 20 ethnic groups. For the Limba, religion is incorporated into all aspects of life. Film buffs will love the Sierra Leone International Film Festival, which brings together some of the most creative minds from around the world. Other beliefs include traditional African religions, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism. Religion and Beliefs of Sierra Leone 1 Islam. Other Christian denominations like Anglicans, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others constitute only a small percentage of the Christian population of the country. Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Sierra Leone -- 60 percent to 70 percent of the country's... 2 Christianity. Of all the former British colonies, Sierra Leone alone was known as "the white man's grave." a consttutional plot against african traditional religion by nightwatch news paper in sierra leone. Religious practices in Sierra Leone have adapted to this plurality. Some religious leaders create charms by putting holy texts from the Quran into pouches, which are worn to protect the wearer from evil spirits. As sierra leone consist of 17 ethnic group.each Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Discover Sierra Leone Holidays, Festivals and Traditions. Before refocusing her educational path toward language, she originally went to school to become an artist. The Limba are believed to be the earliest indigenous people of Sierra Leone. Types Of Crimes By Number Of Offenses In The US, The 10 Biggest Shopping Malls In The World. University of South Africa Institutional Repository: Fundamental Concepts of Limba Traditional Religion and Its Effects on Limba Christianity and Vice Versa in Sierra Leone in the Past Three Decades, Pew Research Religion and Public Life Project: Global Religious Landscape, U.N. News Centre: Inter-Religious Cooperation Can Be Vital Asset For Rebuilding Sierra Leone, Africa Files: Influences on Limba Culture and Limba Indigenous Religion, The ARDA: Sierra Leone, Religion and Social Profile. Although Britain colonized the country at … In Sierra Leone, the staple food is rice. Agatha Clark is from Portland, Ore., and has been writing about culture since 2001. Regardless of their religion, Sierra Leonean Heads of the State visit this mosque frequently, especially on Friday. . They usually cook in big pots on a three-stone stove (three big rocks that support the pots). Only a small percentage of Muslims, about 8%, adhere to the Ahmadiyya sect of the religion while a still smaller percentage belong to the Shia community. As a result of migration to cities, the population is becoming more urban with an estimated rate of urbanisation growth of 2.9% a year. Traditional African religions, Hinduism, Baha’ism, etc., are some of the other religions practiced in the country. This is followed by Christianity (all branches included) which make up about 20.9%. According to custom, the wife takes the husband’s religion. Religion Religious Beliefs. Rice is the staple food of Sierra Leone with most local citizens eating it as part … Estimates vary, but between 10... 3 The Limba Religion. Clark is fascinated by expressions of human psychology and culture. At the beginning of the 18th century, Islam was spread among the Temne people of Sierra Leone by tribesmen from Guinea. The US government estimated the total population at 5.8 million (July 2015 estimate). Christianity is practiced by a minority population in Sierra Leone. How Many Serial Killers Are Active In The UK Now? Both Christian and Islamic holidays are declared as national holidays in the country and celebrated throughout the country. Sierra Leone - Sierra Leone - Cultural life: The Poro society for men and the Sande society for girls play an educational role in village culture; initiation into these societies is a rite of passage.