传统宗教、伊斯兰教和基督教是非洲三大宗教。较之于基督教，伊斯兰教在非洲的历史更悠久，对非洲影响的广度和深度更显著。北非在经历伊斯兰化和阿拉伯化后，成为伊斯兰-阿拉伯世界的重要组成部分；西非、东非均有大量民众信奉伊斯兰教。事实上，几乎每个非洲国家都有数量不等的穆斯林群体。非洲伊斯兰教以逊尼派为主，苏非主义影响很大。伊斯兰教推动了非洲社会文化变迁和教育发展。在民族国家构建中，伊斯兰教表现出向心或离心两种不同的影响力。非洲穆斯林对民主持积极态度，但伊斯兰政党或激进势力对民主化造成困扰。伊斯兰教在非洲发展前景看好，其温和的特点正在受到伊斯兰主义的挑战。非洲穆斯林与外界的联系和互动将进一步增强。
Traditional religion，Islam and Christianity are the three major religions in Africa. Compared with Christianity，Islam has a longer history in Africa and has a more significant impact on Africa. After Islamization and Arabization，North Africa has become an important part of the Islamic-Arab world. In West Africa and East Africa，a large number of people believe in Islam. In fact，almost every African country has a Muslim community with different numbers. Islam in Africa is dominated by Sunnis，and Sufism has a great influence. Islam has promoted social and cultural evolution and educational development in Africa. In nation-state building，Islam shows concentric or centrifugal influence. African Muslims have a positive attitude towards democracy，but in some countries，democratization is beset by Islamic political party or radical forces. Islam has a promising future in Africa；however，its moderate characteristics are being challenged by religious extremists. African Muslims will further strengthen their contacts and interaction with the outside world.
