Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the challenges hindering religious institutions in
maintaining national security focusing on Mosques and Churches in Dar es Salaam.
Specifically, the study explored the political, social and cultural challenges hindering
religious institutions in maintaining national security. The study employed
securitization theory and social identity theory. This study employed an interpretivism
research philosophy, qualitative research approach was employed while the case study
research design was used. The target population for this study comprised mosques and
churches in the Temeke district of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and purposive sampling
technique was used to select 30 respondents. Primary data were obtained through in
depth interviews and secondary data were gathered through an extensive review of
relevant documents. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis with the aid
of NVIVO software. Findings revealed that political authorities sometimes impose
restrictive regulations on religious activities, limiting the institutions' ability to operate
freely and effectively. The study also indicated that societal divisions, including ethnic
and socioeconomic disparities, often create barriers to effective collaboration on
security issues. Moreover, the findings unveiled that cultural norms and traditional
practices frequently clash with contemporary security measures, posing significant
challenges to their effective implementation. The study concluded that political
dynamics, social challenges such as societal divisions and inequalities, and cultural
barriers significantly hinder the ability of religious institutions to effectively maintain
national security. The study recommends that religious institutions engage in dialogue
with political authorities to reduce political interference, develop community outreach
programs to address social divisions and inequalities, and adapt security strategies to
align with local cultural norms. Additionally, future research on interfaith dialogue is
suggested to enhance cooperation among religious groups and strengthen collective
security efforts.
