The relationship between religion and magic in folk-beliefs in North Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	The relationship between religion and magic in folk-beliefs in North Africa
Author:	Szyma'nski, Edward
Year:	1988
Periodical:	Africana Bulletin
Issue:	35
Pages:	53-58
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Northern Africa
Subjects:	Islam Berber popular beliefs
Abstract:	Islam appeared in North Africa after 670 AD and superseded all other religions through a combination of stronger faith and superior force. The Berber population of North Africa adopted the new religion because it offered them a way of life which they could assimilate, and a social structure far better suited to their needs than any other religion was able to provide. However, traces of old beliefs, which are now considered to be magical or superstitious, can still be perceived in Berber customs. These remains are connected with agrarian festivals and holidays, the division of the solar year, the common belief that during holidays one should have a great amount of food, and the belief that certain days are lucky and others unlucky. Note, ref.