Shia Islam in Senegal
According to historian Alioune Badiane, Shia Islam has been present in Senegal for many centuries, and can be traced back to the Idrisid Dynasty.[4] Lebanese have historically formed economically dominant communities in West Africa, including in Senegal.Rather, in Senegal, Shia Islam organizations and leaders have focused much more on social development, education, and charity.Leichtman distinguishes between the form of Shia Islam practiced by the Lebanese community in Senegal, as well as an "indigenous African Shi'ism" growing in popularity among local Senegalese.[5] Leichtman has also conducted anthropological studies of major Shia organizations in Senegal such as the Mozdahir International Institute, headed by Senegalese Shi'i religious leader Cherif Mohamed Aly Aidara.