Islam is the majority religion of The Gambia, with around 90% of the population being Muslims[citation needed] and most have a Catholic relative/relation.[citation needed] The other religious societies being Christians, Catholics, Methodist, Baptist and Traditional African religion. Islam in The Gambia is unique in its unity with other religions[dubious – discuss] and hold Jesus (Esar) close to their hearts as they do Muhammed (PBH). The majority of its Muslims are Sunni Muslims. However, some popular religious/tribal practices diverge from mainstream Islam, with a system of marabout societies being very common. Gambia's Muslim population grew largely because of the efforts of 19th-century Muslim proselytizers and the peaceful period during British colonization.[dubious – discuss] The religious freedom that The Gambia enjoys [dubious – discuss] is largely the work of leadership, past and present, that has decided to build on the colonial legacy of religious pluralism.
Minorities within Islam include the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which adheres to the teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who they believe is the promised Messiah as prophesied by Muhammad. The Tijani Muslims, The Bai Faal (Sufi) Muslims, The Mourits (Serign TouBa) and many other sects.
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