Although the Jahanka are small in number, they are a very significant group in Senegal. Nevertheless, many are still active Muslim teachers. The Jahanka claim to be descendants of a great fifteenth century West African cleric. The Jahanka value education and scholarship and are known for their success in commerce and other professions. However, as urbanization has accelerated in recent years, the Jahanka have become more dispersed, and the pressures of modernization have become more acute.
Christians form a very small portion of the total population.
The Sufi orders, the Mouride, Tidjane, and Qadri, are influential in political and economic life. As Muslims, the Jahanka follow the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. There are no known Christians among the Jahanka and no Christian resources in their language. Conversions among them would greatly impact the general Muslim community in Senegal. In particular, the religious teachers of their communities need to be targeted.