Islam in Malta has a small but historically rich presence.
1. Historical Background:
- Arab Rule (870–1091 AD): Islam was introduced to Malta when the Aghlabids (Muslim rulers from North Africa) conquered the islands in 870 AD. During this period, the Maltese language was heavily influenced by Arabic, which is why modern Maltese remains the only Semitic language written in Latin script.
- In 1091, the Normans (Christian rulers) took Malta, but Muslims remained on the islands for some time, paying taxes and practicing their faith until they were expelled or converted around the 13th century.
2. Modern Muslim Community:
- Population: As of the 2020s, Muslims make up about 2–3% of Malta’s population, roughly 6,000–10,000 people. The majority are immigrants from Libya, Somalia, Syria, and other North African or Middle Eastern countries, as well as some from the Balkans and South Asia.
- Places of Worship: The main mosque in Malta is the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque in Paola, built with funding from Libya in the 1970s. It includes a school and cultural center.
3. Social & Legal Status:
- Islam is recognized but is a minority religion in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.
- Muslims are free to practice their religion. Halal food is available in some areas, and religious gatherings, Ramadan activities, and Friday prayers are common in the mosque.
- Islamic education is offered in some private schools, particularly at the Mariam Al-Batool Islamic School.
4. Challenges:
- The Muslim community has faced challenges related to integration, public perception, and limited religious infrastructure (e.g., not enough mosques for the growing population).
- Maltese society is generally tolerant, but as in many European countries, there are debates about immigration and religious pluralism.
Malta
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .mt
Country Code: +356