Small but mighty: Colombia’s Muslim community celebrates Ramadan
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Colombia’s Muslim community, though numbering less than 85,000 to 100,000 people—a mere 0.2% of the population—celebrates Ramadan with resilience and diversity. While Christianity dominates the country, with nearly 63% identifying as Catholic, Muslims like Ziauddin Yahya Iqbal Sandoval, a 14-year-old born and raised in Colombia, observe Ramadan with quiet conviction. The community is a mosaic of backgrounds, including converts and immigrants from various countries, reflecting its rich history of migration.
The Muslim presence in Colombia dates back to the early 20th century, particularly during periods of conflict such as Lebanon’s civil war in the 1970s, which led to significant Lebanese migration. This influx contributed to cities like Maicao, where one of Latin America’s largest mosques was built. Despite their small numbers, Muslims have seen growth in visibility and resources over time. Medellin now boasts five mosques, and Colombia has elected its first Muslim mayor. However, challenges remain: many still grapple with isolation, missing the grandeur of Ramadan from their homelands.
The story of Rana Arif Mohammad, a Pakistani immigrant who settled in Medellin and founded a restaurant serving Pakistani and Arabic specialties, highlights the community’s struggles and triumphs. While he initially found few fellow Muslims, today there are more mosques and cultural centers, offering a sense of belonging. The diversity within the Muslim community is evident in places like Bogota’s Qurtubi Islamic Centre, where congregations include members from over 15 different countries.
This growth reflects broader trends in religious diversity in Latin America and underscores the ability of small communities to thrive despite adversity. For readers interested in global affairs, Colombia’s Muslim experience offers insight into the dynamics of migration, cultural adaptation, and religious identity in a predominantly Catholic nation.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026