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Answer
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Name
Karima
-
Profession
Question
Is your event open for everyone to attend? what r the cultural sides of this event i mean how you show diversity of latin american cultures
Answer
They are open for all. Muslims from Asia, Africa and Europe attended our event, as well as from Latin America.
The way we show diversity of LA cultures by sharing the experiences of Muslims in different countries within this region who also hail from different ethnic and cultural groups, e.g. Mestizos (mixed Hispanic and indigenous), American Indian, European, Arab, etc.
Name
Muslimah
-
Profession
Question
asalam alykum brother
it is such a nice gathering. What was your programme?
Answer
Wa'aleicom salam sister
The programme began with a general introduction to Islam in Latin America, providing a snapshot about Muslims and their situation in countries ranging from Mexico to Argentina.
Then there was a general reminder about the importance of supporting da'wah, especially in places which are far from traditional Islamic centres and have limited access to educational and financial resources.
After Maghrib prayers we had a video presentation about da'wah efforts taking place in Colombia in particular. Brother Dawud Herrera from Colombia sent us a short video about the experiences in Pereira, Central Colombia. It was very touching message.
The evening ended with some fundraising and a light buffet where some Latin American food was served.
Name
Moustafa
- Australia
Profession
Question
as i read in your bio, its an event arranged to celebrate the latin american muslims cultures, is it yearly or monthly? do u make it only in UK?
Answer
There are no fixed times when it is organized. Since we are based in the UK our first events have been organised here but we would love to help organize similar events in other countries.
Name
Salima
- Bahrain
Profession
Question
How do you see the experience of muslims living in the west? can they cope to make a balance between their traditions, religion's teachings, and the cultures of the countries they are living in?
Answer
The experience of Muslims in the West is challenging one but if it is negotiated in a balanced, realistic and sincere way then the benefits and potential for achieving positive results is high, insha-Allah.
The first couple of generations have struggled to balance their parental traditions and Islamic beliefs with the local environment but I believe we are becoming better and are slowly learning from our mistakes.
As the number of indigenous Muslims increases and carry the message of Islam, the easier things will become.
In Latin America, the distance from the bulk of the Muslim world and the lack of resources and communication has led to many Muslims assimilating into the dominant Latin-Catholic culture.
But again this is slowly changing as more and more local Muslims (converts and those born as Muslims) are studying Islam, practising it, and leading the way forward for interaction with the wider community.
Name
Rached
-
Profession
Question
How many are Muslims/ latin american? Do you think they have the same identity problem muslims face living in the west?
Answer
There are an estimated 3-4 million Muslims living in Latin America today. Numbers vary since religion is not always quoted in census data and many converts to Islam are not accounted for.
The largest communities are in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia.
I believe the Muslims in Latin America have less of an identity problem compared to Muslims living in the USA, UK or Europe for example. This is partly because the Latin culture is more embracing and tends to have many similarities with culture in Muslim majority countries. e.g. importance of family; respect for religion; solidarity with people who are poor; etc.
Latin Americans are generally simpler people and have less baggage or preconceived ideas about Islam compared to Europeans where there has been a history of conflict and perhaps mistrust. Coupled with this, the contemporary fears that Muslims from the Middle East and Asia will "take over" Europe in 50 years time, etc.
However there is the problem of assimilation and loss of identity which many of the Arabs who migrated into late 19th to mid 20th century have experienced.
Name
L.
-
Profession
Question
What is the best of Latin americans in your view? do they play effective role in society?
Answer
Latin American societies currently suffer similar economic and political issues that other developing countries suffer. Muslims are still a small but growing minority in Latin America so their impact on society varies from place to place.
Traditional the Muslims of Arab origin have been influential in business and some have moved forward in politics. e.g. Jamil Mahuad (Ecuador), Carlos Menem (Argentina), although their identities have tended to be more Latin-Arab rather than Latin-Muslim. The Arab Muslim have assisted in setting up insitutions to help alleviate poverty in Brazil for example, but more needs to be done.
In Mexico the Muslims are interacting more and more with the media to help present a more positive view about Islam.
Name
Adibah
- Indonesia
Profession
Question
Assalamualaykum. How much latino muslim there? Is nonmuslim treat them well?
Answer
There are about 3-4 million Muslims in Latin America today. But the numbers are likely to be higher as this does not include converts. There are also over 50,000 Hispanic Muslims in USA.
Relations with non-Muslims are generally good alhamduluillah, although some people, including the Catholic church and Evangelical Christians are concerned that Muslims are growing in numbers and becoming more influential.
Name
Makhlouf
- Canada
Profession
Question
How do find media covering muslims? do latino muslims have their own channels, newspapers?
Answer
Media coverage has not been overtly negative but some of the traditional Western stereotypes are evident, especially since most of these countries are influenced by US media.
In countries where Muslims have been pro-active in presenting a more accurate view of Islam on TV or radio, this has been well received, e.g. Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela.
Latino Muslims have a weekly TV slot on one of the channels in Houston (USA). Check out http://www.islaminspanish.org where you contact the organisers and find out more.
There are many online news forums run by Latino Muslims. Muslims in Spain have a magazine called Verde Islam - http://www.verdeislam.com
There may be other papers in different countries but I don't know about these. Allah sabe mejor - Allahu a'lam.
Name
Karmeen
-
Profession
Question
Why there is little about latino muslims history. I heard that there was old tribe in Mexico and it was Muslims' ... why do not latin americans write books about their history?
Answer
Latin American Muslims are still a small community and we are not very organized. Only over the last 10-15 years have we been engaging in more activities.
As more and more local Muslims study Islam and return to their homelands, they are able to inform others about their presence and also pass on their knowledge to the local people.
At present we are focusing on the basics of Islam and we severely lack resources to produce books and do research. Also many people in Latin America are quite poor and are just struggling with one or two part time jobs to make ends meet.
Name
Montaser
- Egypt
Profession
Question
Salamz, are you living in Latin America? How are Muslims there?
Answer
Wa'aleicom salam
I do not live in Latin America but part of my family are from Colombia and I visit there sometimes. We also have other Muslims in London who were born and brought up in Latin America.
Muslims are doing OK alhamdulillah but need help from our brothers and sisters in other parts of the Muslim world.
We need Quran and literature about Islam in Spanish. We also need people to teach the basics of Islam in balanced and sensitive way. Financial help is also need to support da'wah activities.
Name
Salim
-
Profession
Question
What is the posiitve ancient tradition of latino americans which they still keep it and does not change cuz of modernity?
Answer
The things that immediately come to mind include: Belief in a Creator - this is evident from the Aztec and Inca civilisations, as well as from modern day Catholics.
Also, the importance of family, respect for elders and closeness and kindness towards young people.
I pray that these things will continue and the people will stay away from the Godlessness of modern society and instead draw closer to their Islamic roots - their fitrah.
Name
Abdul Karim
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
what kind of help do muslims in latin mmerica need?
Answer
There are a number of ways that Muslims in Latin America can be helped. Examples of things needed include:
- Copies of the Qur'an in Spanish
- Books, CDs, DVDs and leaflets about Islam in Spanish and Portuguese
- Knowledgeable and open minded Muslims to teach the basics of Islam
- Visitors to give confidence to local Muslims that they are part of a larger family and share this with Muslims in other parts of the world
- Regular financial support to help the local Muslims to become independent so they don't simple rely on others
Last but not least, they need you're sincere du'a (supplications) to Allah (swt)
Name
Noha
- Egypt
Profession
Question
how do u find latin american muslims living as minorities ?
Answer
Alhamdulillah it is a challenging experience living as Muslim minorities. It is a learning experience but we are improving all the time, by the help of Allah. Here is a positive example of life as Muslim minorities in Colombia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28oQhU0Yx60
Name
Closing Message
-
Profession
Question
Omar Fernandez:
"On behalf of Latin Muslim Association in London, we would like to thank you all for taking an interest in the Muslims of Latin America. We are planning further events in the UK and perhaps other parts of Europe and beyond. For more information and to be kept updated please email musulmanes_uk@yahoo..co.uk
We leave you with this video to hear more about our situation from a brother who is active in da'wah right now in Colombia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBkfMPw1pG4
We are still growing, learning and trying our best in sometimes difficult conditions. We need all the support we can get and ask you to assist us in whatever way you can. Please tell others about Muslims in Latin America and remember us in your du'a.
