Portugal

Islam in Portugal has a small but historic and growing presence.

History of Islam in Portugal

Medieval Period (8th–13th centuries):

  • Islam arrived in Portugal in 711 CE with the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
  • For several centuries, Al-Gharb Al-Andalus (modern-day Algarve and parts of southern Portugal) was under Muslim rule.
  • Major cities like Lisbon (Al-Ushbuna) and Silves (Shilb) flourished as centers of Islamic culture, science, and trade.
  • Muslim rule ended after the Christian Reconquista, completed in Portugal by 1249 CE.

Post-Reconquista:

  • Muslims were expelled, converted, or marginalized under Christian rule.
  • Islam disappeared from public life until modern times.

Modern Islamic Presence:
Population:

Approximately 60,000 to 70,000 Muslims live in Portugal today (about 0.6% of the population).

The community includes:

  • Immigrants from Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Angola (former Portuguese colonies).
  • South Asians from India and Pakistan.
  • Recent immigrants from North Africa (Morocco).
  • A small number of Portuguese converts to Islam.

Mosques & Islamic Centers:

  • The most famous is the Lisbon Central Mosque (Mesquita Central de Lisboa)—the largest mosque in Portugal.
  • Other mosques and prayer rooms exist in Porto, Coimbra, Loures, Odivelas, and Faro.

Organizations:

  • Comunidade Islâmica de Lisboa (Islamic Community of Lisbon) is the main Islamic body.
  • Other regional Islamic associations serve the needs of immigrant and student Muslims.

Halal & Islamic Life:

  • Halal food is increasingly available in Lisbon and major cities.
  • Islamic education, Qur’an classes, and Ramadan activities are organized for the Muslim community.

Challenges & Integration:

  • The Muslim community is largely peaceful, integrated, and accepted, though Islamophobia exists in some segments.
  • Muslims in Portugal enjoy freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution.
  • Interfaith dialogue programs are common, and Muslims often participate in multicultural and civic events.

Summary:
Islam in Portugal is a small but vibrant minority, rooted in a rich Islamic history and maintained by immigrants from former colonies and new arrivals. Muslims in Portugal have mosques, halal services, and religious freedom, though they remain a minor part of the largely Catholic population.

Portugal
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .pt
Country Code: +351