19 C
London
Thursday, September 28, 2023
More
    HomeNewsAfricaSenegal, a Muslim Country that Can't Get Enough Christmas

    Senegal, a Muslim Country that Can’t Get Enough Christmas

    - Advertisement -

    Senegal, home to the largest mosque in West Africa and with a 95 percent Muslim population, is widely recognized for its strict adherence to Islam. And yet each year at Christmas, streets and city squares are aglow with holiday lights and storefronts filled with tinsel and Christmas trees. So, how do Senegalese people reconcile their devotion to Islam with their love of the Christian holiday?

    Street vendors carrying skull caps and prayer beads weave in and out traffic in Dakar’s busy Sandaga Market.

    It’s a typical weekday in this Muslim majority country, where taxi drivers often pull over to pray on the sidewalk and mosques can be found just about everywhere even on the beach.

    But in December, Senegal’s vendors also peddle shimmering tinsel, metal ornaments, and plastic Christmas trees.

    Senegal is a Muslim Country that Can’t Get Enough Christmas video player.

    Ndiaga Gueye sells Christmas trees for between $20 to 50, depending on the size. He said he typically sells two per day.

    “It’s mostly Muslims who buy the trees, because Senegal is a secular country,” he said. “Everyone is the same. Christians participate in Muslim holidays and Muslims do the same during Christian holidays. But, it’s mostly Muslims who buy the [Christmas] trees.”

    Christmas lights are displayed at Dakar’s city center, Senegal, Dec. 18, 2019. (Annika Hammerschlag/VOA)

    This time of year, Christmas decorations light up Dakar’s city squares and storefronts.

    At La Parisienne bakery, snowflakes are glued to the windows and nutcrackers adorn countertops.

    Business director Abibou Dadh said his customers love the decorations. “Senegal’s Christians also celebrate Muslim holidays such as Eid al-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, known as Tabaski,” he said.

    “These days Christians celebrate Tabaski and our Christian brothers accompany us by celebrating it with us,” he said. “So it is normal for us Muslims to try to accompany Christians, to celebrate Christmas with them. We are a united people. We are all the same. There is no difference. Certainly each respects the other in his difference and in his religion.”

    Eugenie Avehoe takes orders at Patisseries des Ambassades in Dakar, Senegal, Dec. 19, 2019. (Annika Hammerschlag/VOA)

    At restaurant Patisseries des Ambassades, the servers wear Santa Claus hats and aprons.

    Outside, Abdou Diop is dressed in a Santa Claus suit and sitting on a sleigh. Behind him a horse-drawn cart rolls along the street.

    It’s 80 degrees and sunny, but Diop said the heavy costume and beard don’t bother him. When he was little, he said his parents would take him to sit on Santa’s lap — a fond memory.

    He said, it demonstrates the social inclusion that’s so prevalent in their country. They’re united, they’re one. When Muslims celebrate their holidays, the Christians participate, and vice versa. It shows the social cohesion and the strength of Senegal.

    While Muslim Senegal’s Christmas is limited to the commercial and secular, it is still a celebration of the Christian holiday and the unity of this West African nation.

    Read Original Report Here

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Keep exploring...

    Complete Guide to Eid Prayer: Rituals, Cleanliness, Process, and More

    Eid Prayer is a significant festival in Islam, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. One of the most important aspects...

    Eid Al-Fitr: A Comprehensive Guide to Recommended Acts on the Day of Celebration

    Eid Al-Fitr, often referred to as "Eid," is one of the most significant and joyous festivals in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end...

    Related Stories

    Inspiring Journey: Guinean Student’s Epic Bike Ride to Secure a Spot at a Top Islamic University

    In a remarkable display of determination, Mamadou Safaiou Barry, a young Guinean student, embarked...

    12th Islamic World Ministers of Culture Conference Endorses Doha Declaration to Revitalize Cultural Endeavors

    Under the distinguished patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani,...

    Agong Urges Muslims to Embrace Prophet Muhammad’s Virtues on Maulidur Rasul

    In a heartfelt address on Maulidur Rasul, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa...

    Assessing Nehru’s Impact on the Plight of Indian Muslims

    Pratinav Anil's latest literary endeavor, "Another India: The Making of the World's Largest Muslim...

    President Wickremesinghe Encourages Unity Among Muslims to Address National Challenges

    In a special address commemorating Milad-un-Nabi, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called upon the Muslim...

    Iran Expresses Outrage Over Holy Qur’an Desecration in Netherlands

    In an official statement released on Thursday, the spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign...

    India’s Treatment of Muslims: A Concerning Pattern of Alienation

    In his inaugural address to the United Nations General Assembly, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul...

    Eid el-Maulud: Benue and Bauchi State Governors, Muslim Leaders Advocate Religious Harmony

    In a demonstration of unity and goodwill, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, alongside...

    Explore More Articles

    Welcome to the enlightening realm of our Islamic Articles Page – a digital sanctuary where knowledge, spirituality, and the rich tapestry of Islamic culture converge. In an era where information flows ceaselessly and the world seems to spin faster each day, our platform stands as a steadfast beacon of wisdom and reflection.