Religions

The first settlers of this region were animists. They believed that supreme power was possessed by a pantheon of various spirits similar to those of ancient Rome. Idols were worshipped by spilling sacrifices of wine, water, milk or blood on the ground. In ancient days, human sacrifice used to take place in addition to animal sacrifice. Animal sacrifice still happens.

Animists believe in reincarnation, life after death, and a set of morals. Some animist-related shrines are still in existence and even non-animists visit them for blessings. These include the Katchically crocodile pool in Bakau, Folonko crocodile pool in Kartong, Sanimentereng in Brufut, the crocodile pool in Abuko Nature Reserve, and the crocodile pool in Berending.

Christianity came to The Gambia with Europeans, missionary work was very active in the early 19th century. The following churches are in existence in the country today - Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Adventist, Pentecost, Charismatic, Jehovah Witnesses, and the Church of Canaan. Baha’i was founded in Iran in the 19th century. It spread to The Gambia in the 1960s, and the Baha’i National Centre is established in Banjul opposite the Royal Victoria hospital.

Islam was founded in Arabia during the 7th century AD by the prophet Mohammed of Mecca. The religion was introduced through North Africa to West and Central Africa. Although Islam existed in pockets in this region since the days of the Ghana empire, it was the “jihad” or Muslim holy wars during the 19th century that established Islam in The Gambia as a unifying force.