Islam in Tuvalu is extremely rare, but unlike some other small Pacific nations, there is a small established Muslim community.
1. Population and Religious Composition
- Tuvalu is a tiny island country in the Pacific with a population of around 11,000 people.
- The dominant religion is Christianity, especially the Church of Tuvalu (Congregational Christian), which is the state church.
- Muslims make up a very small minority—estimated at around 0.4% to 0.5% of the population (possibly fewer than 100 people).
2. History of Islam in Tuvalu
- Islam was introduced to Tuvalu in the early 1990s by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a sect that differs from mainstream Sunni and Shia Islam and is active in missionary work globally.
- The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Tuvalu claims to be the only formal Islamic group in the country.
3. Mosque and Community Life
- There is reportedly one small mosque in Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu.
- The community is exclusively Ahmadi Muslim, as there are no known Sunni or Shia communities.
- Due to their small numbers, the Muslims of Tuvalu live peacefully within the broader Christian society, and there are no reports of religious conflict or tension.
4. Social and Cultural Integration
- The Muslim population is generally integrated into society but retains its distinct religious identity.
- The Ahmadiyya community often engages in interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the Christian majority.
5. Religious Freedom
- Tuvalu’s constitution allows for freedom of religion, although the state church enjoys a privileged position.
- Islam is legally recognized, and Muslims can practice freely, but they remain a tiny and largely unnoticed minority.
Summary:
- Population: <100 Muslims (Ahmadiyya)
- Main Group: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
- Mosques: One small mosque in Funafuti
- Religious Freedom: Guaranteed, but Christianity is dominant
- Social Relations: Peaceful coexistence, no known tensions
Tuvalu
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