Seychelles

Islam in Seychelles is a small but growing minority religion in this Indian Ocean island nation. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Muslim Population:

  • Muslims make up around 1.6% of Seychelles’ population, which is approximately 1,500–2,000 people out of a total population of about 100,000.
  • Most Muslims are immigrants or descendants of traders and workers from East Africa, South Asia (especially India and Pakistan), and the Middle East.

2. Religious Affiliation:

  • The majority of Muslims in Seychelles are Sunni, following various schools of Islamic thought (mostly Shafi’i due to East African and Comorian influence).
  • There are no reports of significant sectarian divisions among the Muslim community.

3. Mosques and Islamic Centers:

  • The main mosque in Seychelles is the Qamar Mosque (also called the Victoria Mosque) located in the capital city, Victoria on Mahé Island.
  • There are a few other smaller prayer facilities to accommodate the Muslim population.

4. Islamic Organizations:

  • The Seychelles Islamic Society (SIS) oversees Islamic activities, education, and community affairs.
  • These organizations help maintain Islamic practices, organize religious events like Ramadan iftars, and facilitate Hajj travel arrangements.

5. Practices and Public Life:

  • Muslims in Seychelles freely practice their religion, including Friday (Jumu’ah) prayers, fasting in Ramadan, and celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
  • Halal food is available, especially in areas where Muslims reside.
  • Islamic dress such as hijab is seen but is not widespread due to the small size of the community.

6. Interfaith Relations:

  • Seychelles is known for its religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
  • The majority religion is Roman Catholic Christianity, but the government allows freedom of religion.
  • Muslims often engage in interfaith activities and maintain good relations with other religious groups.

7. Challenges:
Being a small minority, Muslims sometimes struggle with:

  • Limited Islamic educational facilities.
  • Few Halal-certified food outlets outside urban areas.
  • Maintaining Islamic identity in a largely secular, tourist-driven society.

8. Hajj and International Links:
Many Muslims in Seychelles aspire to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, often traveling via East African or Middle Eastern countries.

Seychelles
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .sc
Country Code: +248