Light Over West Africa: Maakitheena in Sierra Leone

When the dawn adhan rises over Sierra Leone, the warm Atlantic breeze carries “Allahu Akbar” into every corner of the city. In this breathtaking country where 78% of hearts beat with Islam, faith is not just practiced; it is life itself.

At the very heart of Freetown beats the Maakitheena Islamic Foundation, the brightest ray of hope in recent years:

• Hundreds of children memorize Qur’an for free every morning,

• Tens of thousands break their fast together at gigantic Ramadan iftar tables,

• Eid al-Adha meat reaches door to door,

• Orphans smile and say, “I have no father, but I have Maakitheena.”

The streets dance with vibrant headscarves. Men shower blessings upon the Prophet at every step. Friday prayers overflow from mosques into the roads. Limba, Temne, Mende, or Fula; tribe means nothing when shoulders touch in the same row of prostration.

This is Sierra Leonean Islam: a love that tears down ethnic walls and stitches hearts together. Maakitheena’s motto “Together We Are Stronger” is not just a slogan; it is a living truth rising from the ashes of war. Because here, Islam is not merely spoken. It is lived; in every shared plate, every tear wiped away, every smile reborn.