However, even though they may have different beliefs and leaders, it is common for people to support and respect leaders from a different Islamic group. Stated differently, the academic distinctions between people are just that—academic. In real life, people put common goals above religious distinctions. We can see this also in Muslim-Christian relations in Senegal. Although only about 4% of the country is Christian, Senegalese people will tell their Christian friends “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Easter.” During Easter, many Muslims go to the homes of Christian friends to celebrate and eat with them. Christians make bucketfuls of a sweet porridge called lakh and serve it to the whole neighborhood. During the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, Muslims invite their Christian friends to feast with them in the evenings when the daily fast is broken. In this way, regardless of religion, everyone can accept each other. That does not mean there are never disagreements, but Senegalese people have found ways to accept and celebrate differences with their neighbors. Although we come from different places, I am proud that I get invited to religious ceremonies, weddings, naming ceremonies, and just to hang out and drink tea!
