Religion in Algeria By Roberto Pinto Miracle Onyeoziri Jennifer Edwards & Anna Coutts

Religious Demographics 99% Sunni Muslim, 1% Shi’ite Small Jewish population Small Christian population, mainly Roman Catholic Still some indigenous Berber religion involving magical practices and ceremonies

General Information on Islamic Religion Islam in official national religion Islam plays large role in Algerian life Three ways of following Islam Islamist view: part of every aspect of life, both private and public Secular view: faith seen as guideline, but not strict Traditional view: practiced by the elderly and rural communities

The Shi’ite Population in Algeria 20-30% of all Muslims are Shi’ite (Twelvers, Ismailis, and Zaidis) Both the Shi’ite and Sunni sects share many of the same fundamental beliefs and practices like the overall Islamic Religion ***The word Shia comes from the Arabic word “Sh’a” which means “ a following/ or sect” and also comes from the word “Shi’atu Ali” which means “a follower of Ali” The Shia split from the Sunni after the first Islamic Civil War in ***The Shia population argued for a line of succession based on bloodlines after Muhammad’s death in 632 ***In Algeria, about 1% of the countries average population are Shia The Shia population of Algeria moved to/ lived in the western part of the country called the Shia Idrisis state when Idris II died in 828

The Sunni 80% percent of Muslim population Sunnism = ahl al-Sunna (people of the custom of the Prophet) Muhammad did not name a successor Muslim Community must select the Prophet’s successor (caliph) to lead Law enforcers = place emphasis on power of god, his determination of human fate, and they are inclusive [6]

And... Hadith literature = short narrative reports detailing what a prophet said, did, and approved during prophetic career and life Rely on consensus, Ijma, of religions and religious scholars Sahaba = Muhammad’s Companions = group of people who share closeness and familiarity with Prophet [6]

Islam being the prevailing religion at this time did not mean that Christians weren’t found in the nearest bush or just around the corner. media.salon.com/2013/09/stained_glass.jpg

General Information of Catholicism Religion Population of Catholic believers used to be large Arab-Israeli War = increase in Islamic presence in country Islamic influence spread = terrorism To end altercation with terrorists, Algeria agreed to restrict citizens of freedom of religion Islam became predominant religion Practice of Catholicism can receive jail sentences up to 3 years Many Catholics live in secrecy olic=clipart.jpg osts-tagged-islam.jpg

Works Cited [1] "Algeria." Everything Culture. Web. 23 Sept [2] "Gain Insight into Algeria's Religions." Religion in Algeria. Web. 24 Sept [3] N.d. Nocompulsion.com. Web. 24 Sept [4] N.d. Themuslimtimes.org. Web. 24 Sept [5] "The Catholic Church and the Arab World: An Algerian View on a Troubled Relationship." Aspenia Online. Aspen Institute Italia. Web. 24 Sept [6] Khalek, Nancy. "Beginnings." Religion Library: Sunni Islam. Web. 25 Sept [7] "What Is the Difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?" The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 28 May Web. 30 Sept [8]"Shia and Sunni Muslims." About Religion. Huda. Web. 30 Sept