Islam in Guatemala is a very small but present religious minority.
History of Islam in Guatemala
Introduction:
- Islam came to Guatemala primarily through immigrants from the Middle East, especially Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians, in the 20th century.
- These early immigrants were mostly Christian Arabs, but a few Muslims also settled.
- Some local Guatemalan converts have embraced Islam in recent decades, helping form small Islamic communities.
Current Islamic Presence:
Population:
The Muslim population in Guatemala is estimated at 1,200 to 2,000 people (out of a national population of over 17 million).
The community includes:
- Arab immigrants and their descendants.
- Indigenous and mestizo Guatemalans who have converted to Islam, often through contact with Muslim missionaries or via independent study.
Mosques & Islamic Centers:
Several small mosques and prayer spaces exist, mainly in the capital, Guatemala City.
Key Islamic organizations include:
- Asociación Musulmana de Guatemala.
- Centro Islámico de Guatemala, which offers prayers, religious classes, and interfaith activities.
- There are also groups affiliated with different Islamic schools of thought, such as Sunni and Shi’a.
Halal Food & Services:
- Halal meat is available through some suppliers, but options are limited.
- Muslim residents often rely on home cooking or special orders for halal food.
Activities:
- Friday prayers, Ramadan events, and Islamic holidays are observed within the community.
- Occasional Dawah (Islamic outreach) efforts take place to educate locals about Islam.
Challenges:
- The Muslim community is tiny and not widely visible in public life.
- There is some curiosity and misunderstanding about Islam among the general population, but Guatemala guarantees religious freedom.
- The Muslim community is peaceful and integrated, with little reported religious tension.
Summary:
Islam in Guatemala is a small but active minority, consisting of immigrants and local converts. While resources like mosques and halal services are limited, the community practices its faith freely and organizes religious and educational activities.
Guatemala
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .gt
Country Code: +502