Religion in the Gambia

[7] A small percentage of Muslims, predominantly immigrants from South Asia, do not ascribe to any traditional Islamic school of thought.

The country's president serves as the minister of religious affairs and maintains a formal relationship with the council.

[8] The constitution establishes Qadi courts, with Muslim judges trained in the Islamic legal tradition, in specific areas that the chief justice determines.

[9] Non-Qadi district tribunals, which deal with issues under the customary and traditional law, apply sharia, if relevant when presiding over cases involving Muslims.

In 2007 there were also several Protestant groups including Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and various small evangelical denominations.

[19] Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that is prevalent in many African countries and has sparked various debates around religion and tradition/culture.

FGM as a rite of passage is practiced heavily in the Gambia; about [21] 75% of the population indulges in it, mainly affecting young girls before they reach 18.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a violation of the human rights of young girls and women.

Gambian wrestlers, soccer players, artists, and people in various professions are known for wearing Juju waistbands.

The Juju waistbands are mostly Qur'anic inscriptions prescribed by Marabouts enclosed in leather pouches; in the Mandinka language, they are called Safou.

People frequently visit these sites for various reasons, such as seeking blessing for a promotion at work and praying for their children.