Religions of Tanzania

The religious makeup Tanzania is very diverse. Going back to the 1960s shows that roughly 33% of the country is Christian, 33% is Islam, and the remaining percentage practices indigenous religions such as Animism, but some also practice Hinduism and Buddhism. The relationship that Tanzanians have with religion is very sacred and questions about religion are normally kept very guarded to one's self. The importance of religion on the country of Tanzania has affected the growth of the country over its evolution and each of the major religions have had a long lasting effect on the country.

ISLAM

Islam first appeared during the late period of the middle ages when Arabic traders established a trading center in Zanzibar. The traders during this time were slave traders and didn't really establish missions or try to spread the religion of Islam. The religion spread on its own and mainly the populations that practice Islam reside on the eastern portion of the country. The major sect is Sunni that is practiced. There is a board that helps provide guidance to Tanzanians that practice Islam called the BAKWATA (The National Muslim Council of Tanzania) and they help provide medical assistance to their followers when needed.

Christianity

Christianity was introduced to Tanzania during the early 1500s by Roman Catholics during the Portuguese occupation. Missions began to spread up and down the coast and the religion has continued to spread throughout the country ever since. The presence of Christianity took a large role starting in 1934 when the Christian Council of Tanzania was founded. The council provides a positive impact on the Christian community providing farming assistance, emphasizing gender equality, and reducing the spread of HIV within the country.

Native Religions

While Christianity and Islam are the major religions is Tanzania, other tribal religions are still practiced, mainly in the Western areas of the country that are sparsely populated. Each of the major tribes such as Maasai, Hadzabe, Sukuma, Chagga, and Iraqw have their own traditions, religious beliefs. Witchcraft accusations and religious mutilations of the people have been seen out in the Western areas where the Sukuma reside. While other religious people in the area have condemned mutilation determined by faith, others have condoned it.

Myths

The Maasai are well known cattle herders and their belief in having a close relationship with cattle goes back a long time. Naiteru-Kop was one of the predominant gods of the Maasai and he provided a lone Maasai cattle to herd. The man was given enough cattle to herd and ever since then they have been dedicated herdsman. It is often believed that if a non Maasai owns cattle that the cattle must have either been stolen or lost and the Maasai try to recover them.

Religious Effects on Tanzania

While religion for the most part has been good, there have been a lot of tension between the Islamic and Christian communities over the years. With roughly 2/3 of the country practicing between Islam and Christianity there is bound to be some sort of tension and animosity between the two. Ethnic and Religious violence has occurred and is still occurring within Tanzania. While violence can hope to be contained, it is still a major problem that continues to plague the country.

The organizations that provide assistance whether they are Christian, Islamic, or one of the other affiliations continue to help Tanzanians in their day to day affairs. This influence will continue to grow and provide a positive feel for the people.

Resources

Ofcansky, Thomas P. & Rodger Yeager (eds,) 1997.Historical Dictionary of Tanzania Second Edition, Scarecrow Press, Inc.: London

Pauwels, Randall. 1987. Horn and Crescent: Cultural Change and Traditional Islam on the African Coast, 800-1910. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Rasmussen, Lissi. 1993. Christian and Muslim Relations: The Cases of Northern Nigeria and Tanzania. London. I.B. Tauris.

 Belcher, Stephen Paterson. African Myths of Origin. London: Penguin, 2005.