Belize: A Muslim Country? Exploring The Religious Landscape

Belize is a small nation nestled between North and South America, with a rich cultural mix of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is predominantly a Christian country, with Islam being one of the smallest minority faiths. The Muslim population in Belize is estimated to be around 577, constituting about 0.2% of the total population. This small yet vibrant community is spread across the country, with a few scattered mosques and Islamic centres. The history of Islam in Belize is intriguing, with the religion first introduced through the teachings of the Nation of Islam, before transitioning to mainstream Islam. Today, the Muslim community in Belize contributes to the country's diverse society and culture, co-existing peacefully with other faith groups.

Islam is one of the smallest minority faiths in Belize

Muslims have been present in Belize since the 18th century, and activism in the 1960s led to many conversions to Islam. Islam is also common among Middle Eastern immigrants and has gained a following among some Kriols. Mosques continue to be built in major cities, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize City built Masjid Noor Mosque at the beginning of 2020. It is one of the fastest-growing Islamic sects in Belize.

Belize has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages, and it is known for its September Celebrations and punta music. The country has a rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems, including extensive coral reefs, giving it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

The constitution of Belize establishes freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religious grounds. Religious groups are required to register with the government to operate in the country and are exempt from certain taxes. The public school curriculum includes nondenominational "spirituality" classes that introduce world religions, ethics, and morals associated with religion.

The Muslim Community Primary School (MCPS) in Belize City was recognised by the government in 1978 and offers Islamic and elementary-level academic courses to Muslim and non-Muslim children.

Muslims have been in Belize since the 18th century

Belize is a predominantly Christian country, with Islam being one of the smallest minority faiths. Muslims have been in Belize since the 18th century, with the Islamic faith being introduced through the missionary work of those who had earlier embraced the teachings of the Nation of Islam. This movement centred on the "superiority" of the Black race and the idea that the "Blackman is the original man". However, these doctrines were eventually discarded by the Muslims in Belize as they entered into mainstream or orthodox Islam.

The Muslim population in Belize is estimated to be 577, representing 0.2% of the total population. The Islamic Mission of Belize (IMB), headquartered in Belize City, is a registered organisation under the Government of Belize. The IMB has a mosque, Masjid al-Falah, and a school, the Muslim Community Primary School, which offers Islamic and elementary-level academic courses to Muslim and non-Muslim children.

The presence of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belize since 2013 has contributed to the growth of Islam in the country. This community has about 200 members from across Belize and has built three mosques, including Masjid Noor in Belize City, situated on the George Price Highway.

Belize's constitution establishes religious freedom and prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. The country's diverse society, composed of many cultures and languages, includes a small but growing Muslim community that contributes to the nation's rich cultural and religious landscape.

Belize is a predominantly Christian country

The diversity of Belize's society is reflected in the presence of other religions as well. About 11.2% of the population follows other religions, including Maya religion, Afro-Caribbean religions (Garifuna, Obeah, and Myalism), and smaller numbers of Mormons, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Baháʼís, and Rastafarians. Belize's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits religious discrimination, fostering a climate of religious tolerance.

The history of Christianity in Belize is deeply rooted in the country's past. Roman Catholicism, the largest Christian sect, spread through the country in three periods. The first phase occurred between 1524 and 1707, coinciding with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. In 1851, the Jesuits established their first permanent residency in Belize. The third phase witnessed the appointment of the first native bishop of the Church in the country.

Belize's heavy British influence is also evident in its religious landscape. The country has a larger Protestant population than any other nation in Central America. Additionally, the Maya and Garifuna people practice a unique blend of traditional shamanism and Christianity.

Islam is one of the smallest minority faiths in Belize, with an estimated Muslim population of 577, representing 0.2% of the total population. While Muslims have been present in Belize since the 18th century, activism in the 1960s led to many conversions to Islam. It is also prevalent among Middle Eastern immigrants and has gained a following among some Kriols. The presence of Islam is growing, with mosques being built in major cities and the establishment of Islamic schools.

Belize's religious landscape is a reflection of the country's diverse cultural and historical influences, with Christianity playing a predominant role in shaping the religious beliefs of its people.

The Muslim population in Belize is estimated to be around 577

Belize is a predominantly Christian country, with Islam being one of the smallest minority faiths. The Muslim population in Belize is estimated to be around 577, representing 0.2% of the total population. This includes the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat group, which has a membership of about 200 from across Belize.

Islam has been present in Belize since the 18th century, with the modern Muslim population growing from the 1980s. Muslims have been part of Belizean society for centuries, with some sources claiming their presence dates back to the 16th century when they were brought over from Africa as slaves. The history of Islam in Belize is closely tied to the history of the British Empire, with the earliest Muslim immigration to the country occurring in the mid-19th century when a handful of Indian Muslims moved to the country.

Belize's Muslim community is diverse, with members hailing from various ethnic and national backgrounds, including Lebanese, Belizean, and Indian. The small yet vibrant community in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, for example, was launched by a single Lebanese family—the Harmouches. The Harmouches own a hardware store on the island and are well-integrated into the local business community. The family also encouraged other Lebanese-Belizean businessmen to invite their Muslim relatives to do business in Belize, further growing the Muslim population.

Belize's Muslim community has established several mosques and Islamic institutions across the country. There are currently three mosques in Belize: Masjid Noor in Belize City, and mosques in Belmopan and Orange Walk. Additionally, the Muslim Community Primary School (MCPS) was recognised by the government in 1978 and offers Islamic and elementary-level academic courses to both Muslim and non-Muslim children. The Islamic Mission of Belize (IMB) is also headquartered in Belize City, further contributing to the growth and stability of the Muslim community in the country.

The Harmouche family played a significant role in the growth of the Muslim community in San Pedro

Islam is one of the smallest minority faiths in Belize, a predominantly Christian country. The Muslim population in Belize is estimated to be around 577, or 0.2% of the total population. However, in San Pedro, a town on the tropical island of Ambergris Caye, Islam is a family affair. Out of the town's population of 13,000, around 200 are Muslims, and most of them are members of the Harmouche family or were invited to do business in Belize by the family.

The Harmouches are a Lebanese family who immigrated to Belize in the 1980s. They own a hardware store in San Pedro, which is at the heart of the town's Muslim community. Lebanese-born Malak Harmouche is the part-time imam of the local mosque and a full-time hardware store owner. Malak moved to Belize 20 years ago and found the place to be "virgin territory" from a business perspective. He has given out credit to the tune of half a million in merchandise, which is slowly being paid off. Malak has turned down money for his role as imam, saying he does it for "Allah's blessing alone".

The Harmouches' hardware business is not just the heart of the town but also the heart of the family. The family business initially involved exporting Lebanese fruit to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during the summer. However, the Gulf War devastated this market. Simon Harmouche, a relative of Malak's, went to Loyola University in New Orleans to study during the Lebanese Civil War. There, he met and married a Belizean woman with Lebanese heritage. The couple then moved to Belize City and opened a hardware store. Simon encouraged his brothers and other family members to join him in Belize, where there were many opportunities.

The Harmouches are well-known and well-regarded in San Pedro. According to Ahmad Harmouche, who runs the One Love golf cart business, "everyone in San Pedro knows a member of the Harmouche family". The family has contributed significantly to the business community of San Pedro. They have also helped to build the Muslim community in the town. The local police chief has attended the community's celebrations in the past and has stressed that there are no tensions between members of various faith communities.

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