Islam in Vanuatu is a very small and relatively recent religion, but it is slowly growing in presence and influence in this Pacific island nation.

Overview:
The Muslim population in Vanuatu is estimated to be around 200–300 people, which is less than 0.1% of the total population.

Most of Vanuatu’s population is Christian, but Islam has been spreading quietly since the early 1990s.

History of Islam in Vanuatu:

• Islam was introduced to Vanuatu in the early 1990s by Muslim missionaries and da’wah (Islamic outreach) workers, primarily from the Fiji Muslim community and other Islamic organizations from abroad.
• The first known convert to Islam in Vanuatu was a local man named Sheikh Abdul Hakim (formerly Pastor Tomasi), who accepted Islam in 1992 after studying the religion abroad.

Current Muslim Community:

• Islam in Vanuatu consists mostly of local converts, not immigrants.
• Converts are typically from indigenous Ni-Vanuatu populations.
• Most Muslims reside on the islands of Efate (where the capital Port Vila is located) and Tanna.

Islamic Institutions:

• There is at least one mosque in Port Vila, which serves as the main place of worship for the small Muslim community.
• Some Islamic centers and dawah groups are active in teaching new converts and introducing Islam to local populations.

Religious Life:

• Muslims in Vanuatu observe Islamic practices like prayers (Salah), fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
• Halal food availability is limited but slowly improving as the community grows.
• Islamic teachings are being gradually shared among local people, particularly in rural and village areas.

Relations with Society:

• Vanuatu is a religiously tolerant nation, and Muslims generally live peacefully alongside the Christian majority.
• However, as Islam is new to many locals, there is sometimes curiosity or misunderstanding about the faith.

Challenges:
The Muslim community faces challenges such as:

• Lack of Islamic education infrastructure
• Limited resources (books, teachers, and halal food)
• Geographical isolation from major Muslim centers

Positive Developments:

• There is increasing interest in Islam among some rural communities.
• Muslim aid organizations occasionally provide community development support, such as clean water projects and educational initiatives.

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Vanuatu
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .vu
Country Code: +678