Small but mighty: Colombia's Muslim community celebrates Ramadan

"But Zia is one of an estimated 85,000 to 100,000 Muslims in Colombia, comprising less than 0.2 percent of the country's population. Within that community, though, is a prism of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Some of Colombia's Muslims reflect a rich history of migration to the region. Others are converts. The Colombian Islamic community is a small one but enjoys more on account of its diversity, Zia said, as he took a break from serving tea in his uncle Zaheer's restaurant"

"On the eve of Ramadan, Muslim communities in cities like Bogota and Medellin prepared for the coming festivities with decorations and prayer. Golden, glittering letters spelled out wishes for Ramadan Karim or a generous Ramadan above a modest mosque in Belen, on the outskirts of Medellin. Inside, shoes were lined neatly along the wall. In a small, square prayer room, about eight men of different ages and nationalities stood shoulder to shoulder, bowing in unison."

"The majority of those who come to the mosque are Colombians, but we see people from Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Pakistan and other Arab countries, said Mu'tasem Abdo, the mosque's imam who came to Medellin from Egypt four years ago. He explained how, because Colombia's Muslim community is relatively small, newcomers sometimes find themselves aching for the festive experience they remember from home. A native from a Muslim country can miss the grandeur of Ramadan as experienced"

Colombia's Muslim population numbers roughly 85,000 to 100,000, under 0.2 percent of the national population, amid a majority Catholic country. Communities in cities such as Medellin and Bogota prepare for Ramadan with decorations, communal prayer, and modest mosque gatherings. Membership includes Colombians, migrants from countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and Pakistan, and converts, reflecting varied migration histories and experiences. Young Muslims like 14-year-old Zia observe Ramadan while participating in family businesses and community life. Imams from abroad, such as one who arrived from Egypt four years ago, note newcomers sometimes miss larger Ramadan traditions from home.

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