“Assalamu alaikum.” Peace be unto you. I have received this Muslim salutation from many since Nassirou’s heartbreaking revelation to me about what some people thought of us, and gradually they confirmed the assurance Nassirou gave me before we ended our conversation. I now have peace of mind because I have understand that the propaganda against Elmire, me and our friends was orchestrated by very few people who did not have much social or religious influence. They are members of a Shiite Muslim sect marginalized by the Dendi people. Nassirou and others told me that these people come from northern Nigeria and Niger. Apparently, these people and their teachings and practices have created some tensions in the community in the past.

Islam is by no means a unified community of believers. Serious differences arose within the Muslim community immediately after Mohammed’s death. According to the Sunnis, the traditionalist faction that makes up about 85 percent of Muslims worldwide and maybe 97 percent in Kandi, the Prophet designated no successor. But for the Shiites (15 percent worldwide and maybe 3 percent in Kandi), the Prophet had designated as his successor his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, husband of his daughter Fatimah and father of his only surviving grandsons, Hasan and Husayn. The disagreement over succession brought about a major schism in Islam, between the Shi’i—the “legitimists,” those loyal to Ali—and the Sunnah, or “traditionalists.” Although their differences were at first political, arising out of the question of leadership, theological differences developed over time.

Though we currently enjoy the favor of the majority of Muslims here in Kandi, this may not always be the case. If our work ever falls out of favor with the majority, we would lose practically all local support. Muslims are called to follow the majority’s way. They believe that minority groups are all doomed to hell, and that God’s protective hand is always on the majority, which can never be in error. This concept is softened a bit by a putative tradition of the Prophet that says, “Differences of opinion among my community are a blessing.” That is why the Sunni Muslim majority accommodates the Shiite minority. This principle of toleration has made it possible for diverse sects to coexist.

Though the gospel is certainly not just another sect of Islam, we believe that God can perform a miracle so that our Dendi Sunni Muslims will be open to His message of peace, tolerance and religious freedom in Isa (Jesus). Thanks for your prayers and support.

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