Definition
The presence of Muslims in Haiti can be traced back to the colonial period. However, over the years, the presence and significance of Islam in Haiti have been overlooked. Although Christianity and other religious traditions are more prominent, the Muslim population of Haiti is growing.
Introduction
Haitian history fails to recognize the presence of Muslims on the island. Located on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, Haiti (Ayiti) was the first black nation to gain independence in the New World. After a long history of colonization, first by Spain and later by France, Haiti claimed its independence on January 1, 1804.
When Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1492, his mission was to spread Christianity and convert the indigenous people. Because of diseases and forced labor, the indigenous population was decimated and replaced as a workforce by enslaved Africans. Just like the Spaniards came with their religion, so did the Africans. Although Christianity...
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References
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Dorsainvil, S.M.J. (2019). Islam in Haiti. In: Gooren, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Latin American Religions. Religions of the World. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08956-0_495-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08956-0_495-2
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Latest
Islam in Haiti- Published:
- 25 February 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08956-0_495-2
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Original
Islam in Haiti- Published:
- 10 August 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08956-0_495-1