Beliefs

An Afari woman wearing a ceremonial vale 

The people in the Afar region are predominantly Muslims today. Out of the 1.6 million people 99.9% are Muslims, and 0.01% are either Christians or Evangelical. Even though the Afar people are allowed to have four wives they usually remain monogamous depending on their herd size. Girls may be married as early as ten years old. Marriages between first cousins are preferred, especially between a man and his father's sister's daughter. They also like to have their weddings on a night of a full moon. Also, someone who is able to read the Koran is required.

An Islamic Afari woman

To keep with the Islamic customs the Afari people do not eat pork and rarely drink alcohol. Many pre-Islamic traditions are seen mixed in with Islamic traditions today. They believe that certain trees and places hold spiritual powers. Spirits of the dead are also thought to be very powerful. A feast for the dead is held called Rabena each year to pay tribute to the departed. They also believe in a dominant sky god.