The history of Islam in Madagascar is mainly linked to migrations that took place along the island’s east coast. The Antemoro, Antambahoaka, and Antanosy ethnic groups all claim a common ancestor, Ramia, who is said to have come from Mecca. However, modern research has revealed that they were not Arabs, but Islamized Indonesians. The reference to Mecca is therefore essentially symbolic, which explains why there are no direct links between Malagasy Muslims and other Muslim communities, particularly those in Africa.
The religion these migrants introduced was marked by distinctly Indonesian beliefs and practices. Since their arrival, these Muslims have also been influenced by local traditions and religions. Today, their presence is reflected more in surviving cultural traits than in orthodox Islamic practice. These include references to Mecca and the Qur’an, knowledge of certain verses and prayers, and dietary prohibitions such as the consumption of dog or pork. Astrology and seed divination, practices linked to geomancy, are also part of this heritage.
Another notable aspect of this cultural transmission is the Arabic-Malagasy script, a transcription of the Malagasy language into the Arabic alphabet. Antemoro lineages still preserve manuscripts called sora-be, which contain verses from the Qur’an, esoteric texts, genealogies, and historical accounts.
Today, Islam in Madagascar is now mainly upheld by Indo-Pakistani communities, who are financing the construction of mosques and Qur’anic schools. This new dynamic is helping to revive the presence of Islam on the island while coexisting with Malagasy cultural beliefs and practices.
