Islam in Guyana

Islam in Guyana is the third largest religion in the country after Christianity and Hinduism, respectively. According to the 2012 census, 7% of the country’s population is Muslim. However, a Pew Research survey from 2010 estimates that 6.4% of the country is Muslim. Islam was first introduced to Guyana via slaves from West Africa, but was suppressed on plantations until Muslims from British India were brought to the country as indentured labour. The current President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the first Muslim president.

The Islamic holidays of Eid al-Adha and Mawlid are national holidays in Guyana and Hosay (Ashura), Eid al-Fitr, Shab-e-Barat, Chaand Raat, Islamic New Year, and the month of Ramadan are also widely celebrated.