Malagasy Islam: Representing the Various Strands of Muslim Tradition in Twenty-first-Century Madagascar

Abstract

The research findings on early Islam in Madagascar with a history that goes back to at least the fourth/tenth century were presented in the previous issue of JMMA.1 Whereas the early history of Islam in Madagascar has to some extent been covered by some scholars,2 the more recent developments within the Muslim communities have been largely neglected. This paper will examine the presence of the various Muslim communities in Madagascar today representing the various strands of Muslim tradition relating to the recent Muslim immigrants. Whereas in an earlier period the immigrant communities tended to be isolated and subject to pressures from the indigenous population, the newcomers have opened up new contacts with the wider Muslim world. This is enabling Muslims in Madagascar to contribute economically, politically, religiously, and socially to society as a whole in their country of adoption. The paper will also examine the growing tension within the Muslim communities between those who continue to follow the traditional Malagasy Islamic ways and those who have been inspired by the influences from the wider Muslim World. This is further aggravated by the procrastination on the part of some immigrant groups in taking on full citizenship status which only delays their full integration in the community.