Unfortunately religion and politics don’t mix and religious grudges hold fast and are never forgotten.  When religious beliefs are on the table, common sense and reasoning go out the door.  Algeria’s religious history is no exception.  99% of Algeria’s 35 million populous claims to be Muslim, 50,000 Christian and merely 1,000 Jews.  

When the French controlled the government until the early 60’s, the Muslim’s felt pressured to convert to Christianity.  In order to attain full French citizenship, Muslim’s had to convert to Christianity.  Hence Algerian’s have a phobia towards Christian religion, and that’s understandable.

Algerian’s Islamic religion is not just a fact of life, it is their life, giving them social and cultural identity, formed on ethics.   

According to ‘algeria.com,’ Islam is the official religion in Algeria.  Ultimately Muslim or Sunni Islam touches every aspect of life, often difficult for you and I to comprehend.  Numerous groups have tried to force Algerian’s into becoming an Islamic Arab State, although it has yet to happen and other religions are still tolerated.  It is ‘said’ that all religions are respected and allowed to worship. That point may be true but does not come with open arms.

Muslim religious worship occurs in numerous mosques and the Imam of the mosque has sermons every Friday along with doing funerals and weddings. There is a Superior Islamic Council to help Muslims understand the teachings and affects of religion in society.  

By better understanding Algerian’s basic tenets, you’ll better understand the religious affects on government, business, politics, public life, family life and social life.  

With specific regard to Algerian Jews, since the mid-twentieth century, Jewish religious practices have relaxed.  For example, some of the non-kosher foods are now tolerated daily, but won’t be included is a festive meal like the Sabbath dinner.  

The main celebration Yom Kipper, great celebration of the Hebrew New Year, Passover and new life cycle rituals are still observed.  The wedding ceremony still holds strong with huge family focus.  Although not religious, the Henna, celebrated a few days before the wedding, is a banquet with traditional Middle East Folk Music and gift and jewelry exchange.  

According to Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, ‘Algeria would always guarantee freedom of religion’.  That statement is arguably questionable.

In Nov. 2010, two Christians were charged for opening a church without authority.  In turn, four Muslims were charged for breaking fast during Ramadan, but later the charges were dropped.

Sure Algerian people in theory may have the freedom to choose their religion, but also understand there are consequences if they don’t choose ‘wisely.’