Samoa

Islam in Samoa is a tiny minority religion, with only a very small number of adherents in this predominantly Christian nation.

Overview of Islam in Samoa:
Population:

  • Muslims make up less than 0.03% of Samoa’s population.
  • Estimated number: 70–100 Muslims (as of 2023).
  • The vast majority of Samoans (over 98%) are Christian, primarily Congregationalist, Catholic, and Methodist.

History:

  • Islam was introduced in the 1980s and 1990s by Muslim missionaries from Fiji and other parts of the Pacific.
  • The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community played a major role in introducing and spreading Islam in Samoa.
  • The first mosque was built in 2010 in the capital city, Apia, funded with help from overseas Muslim communities, particularly Ahmadiyya Muslims.

Mosques and Islamic Centers:

  • The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in Apia is the main and possibly only mosque in Samoa.
  • It serves as both a prayer space and an Islamic community center.
  • There are no large Sunni or Shia mosques reported in the country.

Practices and Activities:

  • The Muslim community gathers for Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) and major Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
  • Dawah (Islamic outreach) activities are peaceful and limited, mostly through the Ahmadiyya community.
  • Islam is officially practiced in line with Samoan law, which recognizes religious freedom under the constitution.

Legal and Social Status:

  • Religious freedom is guaranteed, but Samoa is officially described as a Christian nation in its constitution since 2017.
  • Muslims live peacefully, but Islam is not widely known or understood by the general population.
  • No reports of significant religious conflict or Islamophobia have emerged.
  • Interfaith relations are generally cordial, with Muslim leaders often emphasizing respect for Samoan Christian culture.

Summary Table:

  • Muslim Population: ~70–100 (tiny minority)
  • First Introduction: 1980s–1990s (via Ahmadiyya missionaries)
  • Main Mosque: Ahmadiyya Mosque in Apia
  • Denomination: Mainly Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
  • Legal Status: Religious freedom guaranteed
  • Social Climate: Peaceful, low profile, generally accepted

Interesting Fact:
Samoa is one of the few Pacific Island nations with an official mosque, despite its extremely small Muslim population.

Samoa
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .sw
Country Code: +685