In Medellin, Colombia, the celebration of Ramadan not only reflects the personal convictions of its practitioners but also highlights the vibrant diversity within the country’s nascent Muslim community. Though Christians form a significant majority in Colombia, individuals like Ziauddin Yahya Iqbal Sandoval, a 14-year-old Muslim, illustrate how cultural and religious pluralism thrives even in predominantly Catholic spaces. As Muslims come together to observe this holy month, they enrich the Colombian cultural tapestry with a blend of traditions and communal ties, showcasing a harmonious coexistence shaped by migration and shared values.
Medellin, Colombia – Ziauddin Yahya Iqbal Sandoval, affectionately known as Zia, embodies the spirit of Ramadan with deep respect and commitment. At just 14 years old, he navigates his Muslim faith in a country where approximately 63 percent of the population identifies as Catholic, highlighting the unique position of the Muslim minority in Colombian society. With an estimated 85,000 to 100,000 Muslims calling Colombia home, they represent a modest yet vibrant community, accounting for less than 0.2 percent of the nation’s population.
The tapestry of the Colombian Muslim community is woven from a variety of backgrounds, reflecting a rich mosaic of experiences due to migration and conversion. Zia recalls how, on the eve of Ramadan, the Muslim communities in cities like Bogota and Medellin prepared for the upcoming festivities with decorations and communal prayers. Golden letters announced wishes for “Ramadan Karim,” or a “generous Ramadan,” elegantly displayed above a modest mosque in the Belen neighborhood of Medellin.
Inside the mosque, shoes aligned neatly along the walls of a small prayer room, where men from various backgrounds came together in devotion. Mu’tasem Abdo, the imam who moved to Medellin from Egypt four years ago, emphasized that while Colombians predominantly fill the mosque, worshippers hail from as far afield as Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, and Pakistan.
Abdo pointed out that newcomers to the Colombian Muslim community often long for the vibrant celebrations they experienced back in their home countries. Similarly, Pakistani immigrant Rana Arif Mohammad, who arrived in Colombia 23 years ago, has witnessed a transformation in the Muslim landscape. Once struggling to identify fellow Muslims, he has noted a marked increase in visibility and community establishment, evident in the emergence of Islamic cultural centers and mosques throughout the nation.
The Colombian Muslim population saw significant growth following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s, which spurred major migration waves. The impact of Lebanon’s strife led many Muslim families to settle in regions such as Maicao, home to one of Latin America’s grandest mosques, built in 1997.
In Bogota, Sheikh Ahmad Qurtubi leads a congregation that showcases remarkable cultural diversity, with worshippers representing ten to fifteen different nationalities. Noting the influx of Muslim converts, he is optimistic about the community’s growth, though he acknowledges the challenges of fostering a cohesive identity amid diverse backgrounds.
Despite these challenges, the strength of community bonds shines through. Each night during Ramadan, different families volunteer to prepare meals for the Iftar, enriching the communal experience with an array of culinary delights reflective of their varied heritages—ranging from Moroccan to Colombian cuisine. Sheikh Qurtubi believes that such gatherings cultivate understanding and concordance, emphasizing that knowledge and community engagement are essential for flourishing in Colombian society.
Embracing both their differences and shared faith, Medellin’s Muslims are passionately carving out a significant cultural niche, contributing to the nation’s diverse identity while celebrating the spirit of Ramadan.
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