History records, Islam came to Madagascar via trade. Started around the 10th century or the 11th, many Arabs come and trade to the east coast of Africa. Slaves from Zanzibar are also many who work in the region.
However, the new Islam really touched Madagascar when Arab immigrants began settling in the area Majunga, the northwestern part of the island. Muslim Arab nation established trading posts along the coast in the northwest part of it.
In medieval times, the kings of the island of Madagascar intensively interact with merchants from Arabic, Persian, and Somalia. These traders can enter easily because it brings understanding of equal rights between men, between women and men.
In the French colonial period, the development of Islam is not halted. Post-independence in 1958, Madagascar chose to become secular by side with the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, all the religions in this beautiful island should continue to be developed.
Currently, Madagascar is closer to the former colonizer, France. In matters of religion, Christians are embraced by 41 percent of citizens, while the majority of the people of Madagascar (52 percent) adheres to traditional beliefs.
What about Islam? God's religion is growing rapidly. Arab Muslim influence are found in the southeastern part of the island. Not a few local people are becoming interested in Islam, which is regarded as the religion of their ancestors.
Traditional Tribe was berislam
There is one important development related to the development of Islam in Madagascar. Some local traditional tribes began to see Islam as a religion that they need to follow. They moved on the understanding that Islam is the religion of their beginnings so it needs to get back on that belief.
Tribal order was said to have pledged themselves as Muslims. Lastly, Tribe Intimor perform a mass creed. A total of 17,500 new Muslims are born from this tribe.
Intimor is a tribe that lived in southeast Madagascar. This tribe is believed to have had Islamic roots in the past. Berislamnya back Intimor tribe witnessed the African Muslim da'wah activists based in Kuwait.
Head activist Sheikh Issa Bin Alawy said, once people Intimor have become Muslim, but lost contact with the Islamic world so lost as to their beliefs.
The condition is exacerbated by the influx of Christian missionaries that affect their religious life. Gradually, these tribes back faith in their belief in the past, namely the belief in Allah, the One God.
Shaykh Alawy said efforts reislamisasi Intimor still in the process despite having lasted four years ago. Going forward, he expects about 50 thousand citizens Intimor can return to Islam.
Not only Intimor, other tribes also expected to rediscover their identity as Muslims. '' This new Muslim (convert Intimor) needs a lot of help. Therefore, we urge the Muslim philanthropists around the world can help, "he was quoted Islamic Voice page.