Angola Bans The Religion Of Islam

Christian-majority Angola bans Islam on grounds that it clashes with customs and state religion.

Angola has ordered the shutdown of all mosques and declared Islam illegal.

“The legalisation of Islam has not been approved by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights [and] their mosques will be closed until further notice,” said minister of culture Rosa Cruz e Silva.

The minister called Islam a “sect” which would be banned as counter to Angolan customs and culture.

“Islam began strange, and it will become strange again just like it was at the beginning, so blessed are the strangers.” – Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Following the ban, there were unconfirmed reports that mosques across the vast southern African nation were being destroyed.

“This is the final end of Islamic influence in our country,” President Jose Edurado dos Santos told the Osun Defence daily.

Muslims account for less than 1% of the population of 19 million, while more than half of this former Portuguese colony subscribe to Christianity.

Clashes between the two communities are frequently reported in the local media. Muslims, many of whom migrated from west Africa and Lebanon, often face hostility from lawmakers in Angola.