Islam in Grenada is present but represents a very small minority in this predominantly Christian Caribbean island nation.
Overview:
Muslim Population: Estimated to be fewer than 1,000 people, making up less than 1% of Grenada’s total population (~125,000). The Muslim community consists mostly of:
- Indo-Grenadians (descendants of indentured laborers from India),
- Immigrants (from countries like Pakistan, Syria, and Lebanon),
- African-Grenadian converts (especially through dawah efforts).
Mosques and Places of Worship:
- The main mosque is the Masjid Al-Muneer in St. George’s, the capital city.
- Other smaller prayer spaces (musallas) exist, particularly in areas where Muslim students from abroad are studying (such as at St. George’s University).
Activities & Community Life:
- Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) and daily prayers are held at the mosque.
- Ramadan and Eid celebrations are observed.
- The Muslim community organizes dawah (Islamic outreach), Qur’an study sessions, and sometimes offers free literature to locals interested in learning about Islam.
Islam & Education:
- There are Muslim students, particularly from other countries, who study medicine at St. George’s University (SGU).
- SGU has a Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), which caters to the needs of Muslim students — offering halal food options, prayer space, and organizing events like Iftar during Ramadan.
Religious Freedom:
- Grenada’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and Muslims are free to practice their faith openly.
- Halal food is available in some stores, often for the benefit of both local Muslims and international students.
Interfaith Relations:
- Muslims in Grenada live peacefully alongside Christians.
- There is general religious tolerance and mutual respect, though Islam is not widely known or practiced among the broader population.
Challenges:
- Limited access to Islamic education for children.
- Small size of the Muslim community can lead to isolation.
- Few mosques, which can make daily congregational worship difficult for those outside St. George’s.
Grenada
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .gd
Country Code: +1-473