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Benin: Nothing is more beautiful than this country!

February 26, 2023




With a literacy rate of over 40%, Benin's citizens struggle to live dignified lives under difficult conditions. People's priorities are focused on basic needs, and for the majority, buying a copy of the Holy Quran is an unattainable wish.

Benin is a West African state covering an area of 114,763 km2, with a population of approximately 11 million people. It is a francophone country that shares 2,123 km of land borders with Burkina Faso (386 km), Niger (277 km), Nigeria (809 km), and Togo (651 km). About 28% of the population in Benin are Muslims, mostly Sunni, who are mainly located in the North and Southeast of the country. Islam reached the country from Nigeria through the Songhai Dendi merchants.

This beautiful country enjoys true interfaith harmony, and there are virtually no violations of religious freedom, which is guaranteed by law. It is not uncommon to find family members who adhere to different religions. The Benin government is secular and has no official religion.

With a literacy rate of over 40%, Benin's citizens struggle to live dignified lives under difficult conditions. People's priorities are focused on basic needs, and for the majority, buying a copy of the Holy Quran is an unattainable wish. If we talk about a copy containing a French translation, it becomes an unaffordable luxury. Yet, this is the only way to understand the word of God. However, young Muslims still have access to traditional schools to memorize some surahs or the entire Holy Quran, but those who can read and understand it remain a minority.

That is why we decided to reach out to the Muslims of Benin and provide them with tens of thousands of copies of the Holy Quran with French translation. It is almost a celebration for them. Thanks to our reliable local partners recognized by the authorities, all major Muslim organizations and unions in the country will benefit from this contribution during the year 2023. A large quantity is already in place to be distributed during the holy month of Ramadan in 2023, Insha'Allah.

The Quranforsoul Foundation remains faithful to its promises. Thanks to your donations and unwavering support, we continue to help Muslims access the Holy Quran. Nothing is more beautiful, nothing is simpler, but it is of paramount importance for everyone.