Every week, Amaliah unearths the history behind some of the worlds smaller Muslim communities, and this week we’re exploring Islam in Trinidad and Tobago!

Trinidad and Tobago are a group of islands situated off of the coast of Venezuela, and forms part of the Caribbean. Today, the islands are home to over 1.3 Million people and host some of the worlds most beautiful and celebratory events and landscapes. However, as with many countries in the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago’s past is steeped in a difficulty and hardship . The islands were first colonised by the Spanish, and later invaded by the British in 18th century, subjecting its native population and its migrant population to cruelty and persecution throughout the infamous slave trade.

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Islam first entered the islands through its African population, many of whom were Muslim, and brought over to the islands against their will by the colonisers. Under the pressure and persecution of their oppressors, many of the Muslims brought over were forced to absolve from their ties to Islam, and teachings were lost in generations to come.

According to M. Ali Kettani, Trinidad and Tobago’s Islamic history draws parallels with the islands of Fiji, half-way across the world. The British are again responsible for reintroducing Islam to their conquered lands through the indentured labour of their Indian Colony, many of whom were Muslims. Kettani goes on to explain that Indian Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago were able to keep Islam alive in their community despite harsh persecution, through forming secret Islamic societies. By organising themselves under the radar, and forming the crucial ‘Anjanaal Sumaat Jummah Association’, the Muslim population on the islands were able to prosper and grow to a population of approximately 8 percent of the total population.

Source of Mosque image

Today, Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago enjoy living in a multi-religious society, and have a number of institutions across one of the largest islands of the six, including Mosques, Madrasas and cultural centres. The country has been a hotspot in recent years for radicalisation and the recruitment of members for ISIS, the response to which has been a solidarity movement from the Muslim community with the islands members of other faiths in order to improve the societal and economic issues that have left many vulnerable to extremism.  Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago also play important roles within the government as well as the islands’ economic infrastructure and just like Fiji, Eid is a public holiday across the islands, part of the celebratory nature country is known for.