Sierra Leone
Muslims make up approximately sixty percent of the population of Sierra Leone that is struggling to rebuild after a decade long civil war that ended in 2002. Significant numbers of people displaced during the war, former combatants and victims of the war’s intense violence have all found it difficult to acquire stable livelihoods.
Poverty is pervasive in this country which has been designated the poorest in Africa, and perhaps the world (despite having large reserves of diamonds). Low agricultural output has lead to high levels of food insecurity in the country. The unavailability of adequate health care and education facilities have intensified the privation of the people of Sierra Leone, as they deal with rampant malaria infections which are the major cause of death of children under the age of five.
Suwari Mosque - Sierra Leone
The Dr. Wafaa Suwari Mosque was constructed and completed over the summer of 2009 in Salina Songo, Sierra Leone. The village populace, including the local imams and village elders, attended the opening of the new mosque, and received Zakat Foundation’s donation with so much gratitude and respect toward the organization in a way that defied even those descriptions. Zakat Foundation… continue reading »
Seasonal Programs
- 2011 Udhiya/Qurbani 2011
- 2011 Ramadan 2011
- 2010 Udhiya/Qurbani 2010
- 2009 Udhiya/Qurbani 2009
- 2008 Udhiya/Qurbani 2008
Development/Sadaqa Jariyah
Zakat Foundation of America, a Muslim charity that collects zakat, sadaqa / donations to provide humanitarian, emergency relief and sustainable development programs to empower lives throughout the world. We offer top Zakat resources including The Zakat Handbook: A Practical Guide for Muslims in the West, Zakat kit, ask an Imam feature, and you can calculate and pay zakat through our easy, online calculator.
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Vital Stats
| Population: | 6,700,700 |
| Infant Mortality Rate: | 45 deaths / 1000 births |
| Life Expectancy: | 41 years |
| Major Diseases: | High degree of risk; bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, malaria, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, and rabies |
| Religions: |
Muslim - 60% indigenous beliefs - 30% Christian - 10% |
| Literacy Rate: | 35 % |
| Unemployment Rate: | no data available |
| Poverty Rate: | 75 % |
| Natural Hazards: | dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December thru February); sandstorms/dust storms |