Islam in Mali

Many aspects of Malian traditional society encourage norms consistent with democratic citizenship, including tolerance, trust, pluralism, the separation of powers and the accountability of the leader to the governed.

There has been a surge in conservative interpretations of Islam in recent decades, particularly in Northern Mali where extremist groups have targeted religious minorities with violence.

[4] During the 9th century, Muslim Berber and Tuareg merchants helped to spread the religion of Islam in the region, with the founders of the Sufi brotherhoods (tariqah) playing an instrumental role.

Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim who was reported to have built various major mosques throughout the Mali sphere of influence; his gold-laden pilgrimage to Mecca made him a well-known figure in the historical record.

Relations between the Muslim majority and the Christian and other religious minorities—including practitioners of African Traditional Religion were reported to be generally stable until recently, although there have been several cases of instability and tension in the past.

[5][6] The implementation of Sharia in the rebel-controlled north has included the banning of music, cutting off the hands or feet of thieves, stoning of adulterers, and public whippings of smokers, alcohol drinkers, and improperly dressed women.

[8] Some foreign Islamic preachers operate in the north of the country, while mosques associated with Dawa (an Islamist group) are located in Kidal, Mopti, and Bamako.

A few days prior to the elections, a radical Islamic leader called on Muslims to vote for former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

In January 2002, the High Council was created to coordinate religious affairs for the entire Muslim community and standardize the quality of preaching in mosques.

Many towns in Mali are falling victim to extremist groups’ implementation of their sect's interpretation of Sharia law, by which many African cultures and enjoyments have been denied.