Islam in Brazil is a story of resilience, survival, and eventual revival. Despite its small percentage—less than 1% of Brazil’s 200 million population—the Muslim presence in Brazil has deep historical roots and a rich cultural legacy. From Andalusian refugees escaping the Spanish Inquisition to African Muslim slaves and modern Arab immigrants, Islam’s journey in Brazil is divided into three significant waves.
The First Wave: The Moriscos (Andalusian Refugees)
Arrival of the Moriscos
The Islamic presence in Brazil dates back to the early 16th century, around the time of its “discovery” by Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500. Alongside him were Muslim sailors and navigators, many of whom were Moriscos—Andalusian Muslims who had been forced to convert to Christianity or flee during the Spanish Inquisition. These individuals, though outwardly Christian, secretly held on to their Islamic faith.
Portuguese Persecution
The Portuguese Crown, fearing the spread of Islam in its colonies, banned Muslim migration to Brazil, even for those pretending to be Christians. Despite this, some Muslims managed to settle. However, their secrecy did not protect them for long. In 1594, the Portuguese established an Inquisition tribunal in Bahia, Brazil. Muslims suspected of practicing their faith in secret were identified by their cleanliness, early rising, fasting, and dietary habits. Many were accused of heresy and burned alive.
Historical Legacy Dr. Ali al-Kettani mentions in his book “Muslims in Europe and America” that some Brazilian families of Portuguese descent still preserve Arabic Qur’ans, passed down from their ancestors, whom they now revere despite being Christians.
The Second Wave: African Muslim Slaves
Arrival of African Muslims
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an estimated six million African slaves were brought to Brazil, with approximately 30% of them being Muslims. These enslaved individuals came from regions like West Africa (present-day Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali), where Islam was already well-established. Among them were scholars, imams, and leaders who were literate in Arabic and deeply rooted in Islamic teachings.
Preservation of Faith
Despite the brutal conditions of slavery, African Muslims organized themselves into communities, built informal prayer spaces, and educated others in their faith. Their influence was particularly strong in regions like Bahia and Rio de Janeiro.
The 1835 Slave Rebellion
One of the most significant events in Brazil’s Islamic history occurred during Ramadan in 1835, when Muslim slaves led a rebellion in Bahia.
The Role of Islam
Muslim slaves, united by their faith, transcended ethnic and linguistic barriers to organize this revolt. Historian João José Reis highlights in his book “Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia” that Islam was a central force in uniting the various African ethnic groups involved in the rebellion.
Aftermath
The rebellion was ultimately crushed, leading to mass executions, forced conversions to Christianity, and the destruction of Muslim communities. Survivors were either deported back to Africa or forced to practice Islam in secrecy. This marked the decline of visible Islamic presence in Brazil, although remnants of the faith lingered among descendants.
The Third Wave: Arab Immigration
Arrival of Arab Muslims
Beginning in the late 19th century and accelerating in the early 20th century, a new wave of Muslim immigrants arrived in Brazil. Most came from Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, fleeing political instability and economic hardship. Unlike previous waves, these immigrants were free individuals who could openly practice their faith.
Building Islamic Institutions
By the early 20th century, Arab Muslims had established a strong foothold in Brazil. The first Islamic charity in Latin America was founded in 1929, and the construction of “Brazil Mosque” in São Paulo soon followed. This mosque became a cornerstone for Brazil’s Muslim community, receiving significant support from Egypt during the 1960s.
Islam in Modern Brazil
Community and Representation
Today, Brazil is home to an estimated 1.5 million Muslims, concentrated primarily in São Paulo (where 70% reside) and the tri-border area with Argentina and Paraguay. The community also includes over 10,000 indigenous Brazilian converts to Islam. Institutions like mosques and Islamic centers serve not only as places of worship but also as cultural and educational hubs.
Integration and Recognition
The Brazilian government has embraced the Muslim community’s contributions:
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- 25 March is celebrated annually as Arab Community Day, commemorating Arab contributions to Brazil’s culture and economy.
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- States like São Paulo and Paraná recognize May 12 as Islamic Day.
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- November 29 is marked as a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Muslim women can also wear hijabs in official identification photos, reflecting Brazil’s commitment to religious freedom.
Challenges
While the Muslim community continues to grow, challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified imams and language barriers. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through educational initiatives and outreach programs.
Islam’s Legacy in Brazil
From Andalusian refugees and African Muslim slaves to modern Arab immigrants, the story of Islam in Brazil is one of resilience and survival. Despite centuries of persecution and marginalization, the Muslim community has not only endured but thrived, contributing to Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry.
Through its mosques, cultural institutions, and vibrant Ramadan traditions, Islam continues to be a significant force in Brazil, reminding us of the deep historical ties that connect this faith to the land of samba and football.
