Swahili coast
The primary religion of the Swahili coast is Islam. Initially, unorthodox Muslims fleeing persecution in their homelands may have settled in the region, but it is likely that the religion took hold through Arab traders. The majority of Muslims on the Swahili coast are Sunni, but many people continue non-Islamic traditions. For example, spirits who bring illness and misfortune are appeased and people are buried with valuable items. In addition, teachers of Islam are allowed to become medicine men; having medicine men being a practice carried over from local tribal religions. Men wear protective amulets with Quran verses. The historian P. Curtis said about Islam and the Swahili coast, "The Muslim religion ultimately became one of the central elements of Swahili identity."