Islam in Namibia
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Islam is the third largest religion in Namibia after Christianity and indigenous beliefs.
Number of Muslims
In 1999, a Namibian Muslim leader estimated that there were approximately 1,500 Muslims in the country. In 2009, leaders estimated that there were between 3,000 and 5,000 Namibian Muslims.[1] [2]
Growth of Namibia's Muslim community
Most of Namibia's Muslim community are members of the Namaqua ethnic group.[2] It is believed that this is mostly as a result of the efforts of a prominent politician among the Nama, Jacobs Salmaan Dhameer, who converted to Islam in 1980.[2] The first mosque in the country, called the Soweto Islamic Centre, was established 1986 and is located in Katutura. As of May 2009, there were twelve mosques in the country, six of which were in Windhoek.[1] Twenty-four Namibians are currently studying in Saudi Arabia while others have been sent for long term Islamic training in institutions in South Africa.[2] The Namibia Islamic Judicial Council is based on Ondobe, Ohangwena Region.[3]
Notes
- ^ a b Finding Sanctuary in Islam Inter Press Service News Agency, 12 May 2009
- ^ a b c d IslamOnline.net- News
- ^ ijcnam.org
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