Day Four: "Islam in Algeria: A Religious Perspective"

(Image source: User: Jefferyhodges. Photobucket. <http://media.photobucket.com/image/islam %20bowing/jefferyhodges/MosqueQibla01.jpg>)

Islam is the main religion of Algeria. It became such after the independence of Algeria from French control, and the state was able to economize the religion thereafter. According to the article, "Islam and the Algerian State", the author says that "the Algerian government asserted state control over religious activities for purposes of national consolidation and political control. Islam became the religion of the state in the new constitution and the religion of its leaders.". Mosques were built, and the religious state has remained the same ever since.

Politically, the French sought to undermine Islamic tendencies during their rule, yet Islam says that "a Muslim society permanently subject to non-Muslim rulers is unacceptable", and so, after the state regained self-control, Islam was clearly the only answer.