There are four religious traditions in The Gambia.

1. Traditional African Animism
2. Islam
3. Christianity
4. Baha’i

The first settlers of this region were animists. They believed that supreme power was possessed by a pantheon of various spirits similar to those of ancient Rome. Idols were worshipped by spilling sacrifices of wine, water, milk or blood on the ground. In ancient days human sacrifice used to take place in addition to animal sacrifice. Animal sacrifice still happens.

Animists believe in reincarnation, life after death, and a set of morals. Some animist related shrines are still in existence and even non-animists visit them for blessings. These include the Katchically crocodile pool in Bakau, Folonko crocodile pool in Kartong, Sanimentereng in Brufut, the crocodile pool in Abuko Nature Reserve, and the crocodile pool in Berending.

Christianity came to The Gambia with Europeans, missionary work was very active in the early 19th century. The following churches are in existence in the country today - Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Adventist, Pentecost, Charismatic, Jehovah Witnesses and the Church of Canaan.

Baha’i was founded in Iran in the 19th century. It spread to The Gambia in the 1960s, and the Baha’i National Centre is established in Banjul opposite the Royal Victoria hospital. There is also an information center on Bakau Newtown road.

Islam was founded in Arabia during the 7th century AD by the prophet Mohammed of Mecca. The religion was introduced through North Africa to West and Central Africa.
Although Islam existed in pockets in this region since the days of the Ghana Empire, it was the “jihad” or Muslim holy wars during the 19th century that established Islam in The Gambia as a unifying force.

The Holy Koran contains the religious laws and doctrines of Islam which are believed to be the direct words of God as revealed to Mohammed. The term “Islam” means “to submit” in Arabic, and Muslim means “one who has submitted.”
Accordingly, Islam directs its adherents to surrender to the will of God and follow the five guiding principles, commonly called the Pillars of Islam.

The first pillar is to recognize that there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.
Lahilaha illailah Muhammadur-rasullailah is the phrase in Arabic which is repeated many times a day as part of the daily prayer.

Prayer
Prayers take place five times a day at dawn, midday, late afternoon, dusk, and at night. While each town or village has a central mosque where prayers are offered, Muslims will be found observing prayer at home, on the streets, and at other prayer grounds.
Prayers must be said while facing the direction of Mecca or sunrise and is preceded by “ablution”, that is, the ritual washing of parts of the body.
The call to prayer from the mosque can usually be heard throughout the village or town. In urban areas, a loud speaker is used.

Fasting during Ramadan
During the ninth month of the Muslim year when the Koran was supposedly revealed to Mohammed, Muslims abstain from food, water and worldly pleasures from sunrise to sunset for 29-30 days.
This is to practice self-discipline and to recall the hunger of the poor. It is also believed that sins committed during the year are forgiven if one keeps fast during this holy month.
The sick, young children, pregnant women, and those traveling beyond 50 kilometers from home are exempted from fasting.
Except for children those breaking fast are expected to compensate for missed days.

Almsgiving
Muslims believe that the charity given on earth to the poor, orphans, aged, and the infirm will become one’s livelihood in heaven.
Also a yearly payment (called zakat) of up to 10% of one’s annual income is given to the local mosque or any poor person(s) in the community.

Pilgrimage to Mecca
A Muslim is expected to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, or “Haj” at least once during his/her lifetime if it can be afforded.
The “Haj” can only be made during the 12th month of the Muslim year.
When a male pilgrim arrives at Mecca, he shaves his head and exchanges his clothing for two pieces of white symbolizing the equality of all believers before God.
Although a woman does not shave her hair, she also wears white clothing.
Upon returning from the Haj, a man may add Al-Haj to his name and a woman Aja-Ratu signifying the completion of the pilgrimage.

Other Islamic customs of which non-Muslims should be aware include the prohibitions against drinking alcohol or eating pork.
It is impolite to interrupt a Muslim’s prayer day when Muslim men put on their best clothes and gather in mosques for the Friday prayers. This is also the day when beggars congregate near the mosque to receive alms.
Women generally pray in the privacy of their own homes, although women past the childbearing age will be seen in mosques.

Muslim Holidays
As a predominantly Muslim country, the people of The Gambia celebrate the religious holidays listed below based on the lunar calendar. Observance of these holidays usually involves special prayers and the offering of charity, followed by feasting and dancing. These are also occasions for Gambians to dress up and visit with friends and relatives.

Yawmal Assurra
This is the Muslim new year which falls on the ninth day of the first Muslim month. The celebrations start in the evening when a special meal is prepared, and members of the family eat and pray together. The family head secures some holy water from a marabout and distributes it to his family. Muslims believe that all who drink this holy water will be blessed and saved from evil throughout the new year. Ideally, up to 10% of their income is given as charity to the poor and needy.

Maolud Nabi
Mohammed’s birthday is celebrated on the eleventh day of the third Muslim month. After the evening meal, all-night prayers and the singing of hymns from the Koran are organized by the various Muslim brotherhoods. Both men and women join together to sing praises of the prophet Mohammed. At different times during the night, the Imams (Muslim priests) and marabouts narrate the history of Mohammed’s life to the congregations who participate by singing along.

Koriteh (Ed-Ul-Fitre)
Muslims welcome the end of the month long fast of Ramadan (ninth Muslim month) with a great celebration known as Koriteh in The Gambia. This is a joyous occasion with special prayers, feasting, drumming and dancing. People also visit with friends and relatives and pray together. As in most Muslim holidays, giving charity is expected on Koriteh.

Tobaski (Ed-Ul-Kabir)
This is an important holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world in honor of the prophet Abraham’s attempt to sacrifice one of his sons.
On Tobaski day (tenth day of the twelfth Muslim month), all heads of families who can afford it slaughter a sheep, goat, or cow and divide the meat among friends and relatives as charity.
Prayers usually take place in the morning, followed by the feast, drumming and dancing.
It is also during the month of Tobaski that Muslims who can afford it perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.

The following sensitive points must be remembered
- The eating of pork and its derivatives by Muslims is strictly forbidden.
- The drinking, buying, selling and serving of alcohol is strictly forbidden. Consequently when you visit a Muslim friend don’t expect to be served alcoholic drinks.
- When a Muslim is in the act of praying don’t walk in front of him, talk to him or do anything that may distract his attention.
- Non-Muslims are not allowed in a mosque during services, and menstruating women are never allowed in the mosque.