Dr. Widad Naibi: Benin Muslims Under Missionary Pressure

Muslims constitute the largest proportion of the population in the Republic of Benin, which currently has more than 13 million inhabitants. It is considered one of the prominent kingdoms in West Africa that emerged in the 15th century AD, was seized by France in 1872, became a French colony, and gained its independence in August 1960.

Muslims practice their rituals alongside an increasing Sunni awareness, coinciding with extensive and organized proselytization campaigns, which is one of the most prominent challenges they face. "Al-Mujtama" contacted Dr. Widad Naibi, founder and director of the Ibn Battuta African Institute in Benin, to learn about the conditions of Muslims there up close, the extent of the challenges facing them, how to overcome them, and the role of the Sunni movement in educating Muslims.

Cultural Diversity and the Status of Muslims

Benin is characterized by cultural diversity; where do Muslims stand in this diversity?

What is their percentage, and what are the other most famous religions in the country?

– Yes, this diversity is manifested in the multiplicity of groups, including the educated and the illiterate, those influenced by Western culture, and those adhering to local heritage or Islamic culture. Those educated in French dominate the educational scene, without overlooking the importance of holders of Arabic and Islamic degrees and their influential role.

As for Islamic religiosity, in its beginnings, it was closer to Sufism. Later, due to travel and contact abroad, Sunni and Salafi movements appeared that contributed to reshaping the features of the Islamic community in the country and increasing attendance at Friday prayers.

Regarding religious percentages, the figures remain a subject of debate and are not accurately disclosed. However, at the national level, the percentage of Muslims can be estimated at about 45%, ahead of Christians.

The Spread of the Arabic Language

The official language in Benin is French; how is the Arabic language spreading?

And what are the contributions to that?

– The Arabic language has spread in Benin since the 15th century, with the entry of Islam through traders and the movement of the population. The spread of Arabic is mainly attributed to the love of Islam, as everything written in the Arabic script was viewed with sanctity, even if it was just a scrap of paper.

Quranic schools also contributed to its spread. Today, Arabic is no longer just a language of religion, but has become an academic, diplomatic, and cultural language. This is evident in the spread of Arabic names even among non-Muslims, as you find Christians carrying Arabic names such as "Ashem," "Habib," or "Tariq."

Linguistic Plurality and Communication

It is said that Benin has 50 local languages; how do Muslims communicate with others?

Are there obstacles to Islamic culture due to the multiplicity of these languages?

– In fact, there are about 62 local languages in Benin, in addition to a large number of tribes, some of whose languages are close or vary greatly. Muslims communicate with others according to the region.

In Cotonou, the economic capital, the Fon or Hausa language is used depending on the neighborhood. In Porto-Novo, the political capital, the Goun and Yoruba languages prevail, with a constant presence of the French language throughout the country. Arabic is also a language of communication among Muslims, especially holders of Arabic and Islamic degrees. This linguistic plurality does not constitute an obstacle to Islamic culture.

Representation in Sovereign Positions

Muslims represent the second largest proportion of the country's population; are there opportunities for their presence in sovereign positions or government ministries?

– Muslims are deeply present in the social fabric, as they are often linked to others by intertwined family and social ties that leave a mutual impact on values and upbringing.

An example of this is the story of a Christian family that lived in a residential complex with Muslim neighbors, where a spirit of good neighborliness and solidarity prevailed, until the Muslim neighbors held an "Aqiqa" (birth celebration) for a newborn girl and chose a neutral name for her.

Over the years, the son of this newborn converted to Islam and is today a prominent figure in the political arena. As for opportunities in sovereign positions and ministries, they are available in principle, and political actors often note the comfort regarding the loyalty of many Muslims when they assume responsibilities.

Economic Activity and Its Impact

What are the most famous industries in which Muslims work? Does this have reflections on the spread of Islam?

– Trade constitutes the economic strength of Muslims, and it is an important element in their social presence. Although their participation in the army and police was previously weak, this situation has begun to witness improvement recently.

Self-employment has helped facilitate the practice of religious rituals, which enhanced commitment and contributed to the spread of Islam, along with good treatment and kindness to the poor.

Challenges of Educational Proselytization

At a time when missionary schools are spreading in some major cities, how do Muslims face such challenges?

– Missionary schools are characterized by precise organization, strict discipline, strong curricula and educational programs, in addition to a clear educational vision and continuous investment in human resources and infrastructure.

In contrast, Islamic education suffers from weak institutional work, the absence of long-term planning, and the spread of a culture of dependence on free services under the slogan "for the sake of Allah," as well as the decline in the confidence of some parents in the seriousness of some Islamic educational institutions in terms of continuity, quality of education, and discipline.

The real confrontation of this challenge lies in moving from limited individual initiatives to establishing strong model schools based on clear institutional foundations, professional management, advanced curricula, and qualified teaching staff.

The Role of Media and Mosques

The largest radio station in Benin was established by the Church; in contrast, where is the corresponding activity of Muslims, especially in media and the role of mosques?

– Islamic media exists, and mosques are also widespread. However, the real problem does not lie in existence, but in the role and effectiveness. Some initiatives are strong and promising when support is available, but weak management and poor administration have wasted many efforts.

Also, a narrow perception of the role of the mosque has become established among a segment of people, so it was confined to being a place for prayer only, instead of being a collective space for education, guidance, building values, and promoting love and unity.

Also, some Sufi orders, such as the Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Alawiyya, have been afflicted by the behaviors of some disciples that have harmed their essence. Other groups—if the division is correct—have also been afflicted by whims, love of the world, and manifestations of corruption, which weakened their missionary and educational impact.

Connection with the Islamic World

Tell us about the connection of Benin's Muslims with the Islamic world, especially the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its positive role in spreading and consolidating Islam in the country.

– This connection includes positive aspects and others marred by imbalance, where an individual and momentary character dominated some projects without long-term strategic planning, which led to lost opportunities and wasted resources. Nevertheless, the great positive role in building mosques, Quran memorization houses, supporting preachers, sponsoring orphans, digging wells, and establishing educational facilities cannot be denied.

Contributions of Arab and Gulf Charities

Finally, we want to know closely about the role of charitable societies, and what are the contributions of Arab countries, especially the Gulf, in development and cultural projects in the country?

– Islamic societies play a pivotal role in implementing charitable projects for the benefit of the poor and needy in the fields of education, health, water, building mosques, and during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. Arab countries, especially the Gulf states, have had a great contribution to supporting these efforts, which enhanced the presence of the Arabic language and Islam in the country.

These societies still continue their work despite international restrictions, which are considered necessary to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation.