Islam in Dominica, a small Caribbean island nation, is a minority religion with a very small Muslim population. Here’s an overview of its presence and status:
Overview of Islam in Dominica:
Population: Muslims in Dominica make up less than 1% of the total population (which is around 70,000 people). Estimates suggest there are fewer than 200 Muslims on the island.
Origins: Islam was introduced primarily through:
- Foreign students (especially from Muslim countries)
- Immigrants and converts
- Some African Muslims brought during the transatlantic slave trade may have been early, though undocumented, Muslims.
Islamic Organization:
- The Muslim Community of Dominica is the main organized Islamic group.
- The Al-Ansaar Masjid is the island’s only mosque, located in the capital, Roseau.
Activities:
- Muslims gather for Friday (Jumu’ah) prayers, Ramadan fasting, and Eid celebrations.
- The community is also involved in interfaith dialogues and charity efforts.
Challenges:
- As a small community, Muslims face challenges related to representation, access to halal food, and maintaining religious facilities.
- However, Dominica’s general attitude toward religion is one of tolerance and freedom, so Muslims practice freely.
Education:
- Some Muslim students come to Dominica to study, especially at Ross University School of Medicine (previously in Dominica before relocating to Barbados after Hurricane Maria in 2017).
Religious Freedom in Dominica:
- The constitution of Dominica guarantees freedom of religion.
- There is no reported discrimination against Muslims or Islamic practices.
Dominica
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .dm
Country Code: +1-767