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Index / Religions
  Sudan /
Religions
The actual number of adherents to the different religions of Sudan is hard to set exactly, as the figures differs much between the different sources. The percentage of Muslims range from 50 to 70. The percentage of believers in traditional religions range from 25 to 35. The percentage of Christians between 4 and 15.
According to all statistics, 100% of the Muslims are Sunnis, but these figures might include a (small) minority of Shi'is who are not accredited with any other designation of being Muslims. A common trait of Sudanese Islam are the religious brotherhoods, like the Qadiriyah, Khatmiyah and Mahdiyah. The two latter have been central in the formation of political parties in Sudan.
The traditional religions come in many different shapes, and few of the theological unities are large. They are usually recognizable with having no scriptures, and a leadership with only limited geographical control. There are common traits between the religions, like the belief in one high supreme god. For several of the religions does the belief in ancestor spirits play a central role.
Although Christianity in Sudan now is a result of European missionary activities in the south and te central of the country, starting in the second half of the 19th century, its history in Sudan goes back to the 6th century. Christianity was the dominating religion in Nubia, but was replaced by Islam following after Egypt became a Muslim state.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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