Trinidad and Tobago

Islam in Trinidad and Tobago is a small but vibrant and influential minority religion, with deep historical roots and growing cultural presence.

1. Muslim Population

  • Muslims make up approximately 5-6% of Trinidad and Tobago’s total population (about 70,000 people).
  • The majority of Muslims reside on the island of Trinidad, as Tobago has a very small Muslim presence.
  • Most Muslims are descendants of East Indian indentured laborers brought by the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • There is also a small community of Afro-Trinidadian Muslims and immigrant Muslims from Syria, Lebanon, and Africa.

2. History of Islam in Trinidad and Tobago

  • Islam first arrived with enslaved West Africans, many of whom were Muslim, but this early Islamic presence largely disappeared due to slavery and forced Christianization.
  • The largest wave of Muslims arrived from India between 1845 and 1917, as part of the indentured labor system after slavery was abolished.
  • These Indian Muslims established mosques, madrasahs (Islamic schools), and community organizations, preserving their faith despite pressures to assimilate.

3. Religious Practices and Life
Most Muslims in Trinidad are Sunni (Hanafi school), with small Shia and Ahmadiyya minorities. Islamic practices include:

  • Daily prayers (Salah) in mosques.
  • Observance of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
  • Islamic weddings, funerals, and community festivals.

4. Mosques and Islamic Institutions
There are over 80 mosques across Trinidad. Notable mosques include:

  • Jama Masjid in Port of Spain — the largest mosque.
  • Masjid al-Nuwaas and Nur-e-Islam Masjid — important community centers.

Islamic primary and secondary schools exist and are recognized by the government.

5. Influence in Society

  • Muslims play an active role in business, education, politics, and civil service.
  • A small number of Muslim politicians and leaders have served in parliament and government offices.
  • Muslims are involved in charity work, interfaith dialogue, and cultural festivals.

6. Unique Features

  • Trinidad and Tobago is the only Caribbean country with an official public holiday for Eid al-Fitr, reflecting the respect for its Muslim community.
  • Halal food is widely available, and there are Islamic media programs on radio and television.

7. Challenges

  • The Muslim community has faced occasional suspicion, especially due to concerns about radicalization after reports of some Trinidadians joining extremist groups abroad.
  • However, the vast majority of Muslims in Trinidad are peaceful, moderate, and well-integrated into society.
  • There is freedom of religion, and Muslims enjoy constitutional rights to practice their faith openly.

8. Islamic Organizations

  • The Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) — the largest Muslim organization.
  • The Trinidad Muslim League (TML) — another key body.
  • The Islamic Missionaries Guild (IMG) and Jamaat al Muslimeen (a controversial group) are also active.

9. Fun Fact

  • Trinidad’s Islamic community blends Indian, African, and Middle Eastern traditions, making its Islamic culture distinctive from other parts of the Muslim world.
  • Eid celebrations in Trinidad often include Caribbean music, local food, and open-house feasting for neighbors of all faiths.

Trinidad and Tobago
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .tt
Country Code: +1-868