Wolof in Morocco

People Name:	Wolof
Country:	Morocco
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	2,100
World Population:	7,035,500
Primary Language:	Wolof
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Atlantic-Wolof
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Hundreds of years ago the Wolof conquered many tribes in the northwestern Senegal area. By the end of the 1300s, the Wolof had grown into a large empire of separate, self-governing states. By the 1500s, the empire had split into four major Wolof kingdoms.

The French expanded into Senegal during the 1800s, making it a colony of French West Africa. Wolof leaders of the resistance to the French were often charismatic Sufi Muslim leaders, who have since become folk heroes. Islam became a focal point of resistance to the French. In 1968, Senegal gained its independence from France. However, European influences are still a part of Wolof culture, which are apparent in many ways.

Traditionally, the Wolof were divided into three classes: the freeborn, those born into slavery, and the artisans. The freeborn class ranged from high-ranking noblemen to common peasant farmers. The slave class was made up of the Wolof whose parents were slaves. They were born into slavery and continued to serve their parents' masters. Finally, the artisans were considered a low class in Wolof society. This group included blacksmiths, leather workers, and musicians. Intermarriage among the three classes was a very rare occurrence.

Most Wolof people live in Senegal and The Gambia, but they also live in several other countries of West Africa. The expansion of peanut cultivation and an acceleration towards urbanization motivated many to spread out into Cote d'Ivoire and Mali. There, they hope to utilize the land and find better employment opportunities in the cities. Today the Wolofs live in 16 countries. Some of them are in North America and Europe, but most are in West African and North African countries. That includes Morocco and Libya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Wolofs in Morocco are hoping to make their way to Europe to find better paying jobs. Some get stuck in Morocco where they must do the best they can. The more fortunate ones can get a university education in Morocco while those not so fortunate continue the cycle of poverty they wanted to escape in Senegal.

Wolof women are known for their beauty. They dress fashionably and wear sophisticated hairstyles. Unfortunately, the men are not expected to take precautions with irresponsible sex habits. Despite their Islamic beliefs, pre-marital sex is expected among the Wolof people, especially in an urban setting.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam and Wolof identity are closely intertwined. Islamic jihads and resistance to the French colonial powers solidified the Wolof people's commitment to Islam. They rallied behind Sufi Muslim leaders and holy men known as marabouts. Marabout leaders are still honored and followed unquestioningly by many Wolof today. Some of them are charged with giving Wolof boys a good Muslim education where they learn the Koran, but most of these boy's time is spent begging for money to bring to these religious teachers.

Despite their Islamic beliefs, the Wolof also believe in bad and good spirits as well as witches. They think that all of these live in their villages. Evil spirits live in tall trees or grassy areas. The Wolof wear amulets to protect them from these evil spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

Today, most of the Wolof groups have a number of Christian resources available to them, and mission agencies have focused on each of the groups. Sadly, however, very few of them have given Jesus the chance to transform their lives. Their colonial heritage gave them a bad impression of Christianity. There is a great need for laborers who are sensitive to the Wolof culture to take Christ to them in a way they can understand and embrace.

Prayer Points

Pray for Wolof elders in Morocco to have dreams of the righteous and loving Christ, leading entire households to the kingdom.
Pray for the small number of Wolof believers to have the courage to share the love of Christ with their own people and be strong through persecution.
Pray for an accurate translation of the Wolof Old Testament.
Pray for effectiveness of the JESUS Film, radio gospel recordings, and other evangelistic tools among the Wolof in Morocco.