Islam in Guyana
About 7.2-10 percent of Guyana's population is Muslim, representing 57,572-79,961 individuals, many of whom are descended from indentured labourers from India.
The largest Islamic organization in the country is the Guyana Islamic Trust.
Until the 1970s, Muslim holidays were not officially recognized. A number of non-Christian religious days are now public holidays. Muslim holidays include Eid al Fitr, the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting; Id al Adha, the feast of sacrifice; and Mawlid, the birthday of Muhammad. The dates for these holidays vary according to the Islamic calendar.
National United Halaal Authority of Guyana (N.U.H.A)
The National United Halaal Authority of Guyana (N.U.H.A) was established in 2011. This organisation is dedicated to the inspection and certification of Halaal products and food establishments in Guyana. Although other organisations have Halaal boards/committees, N.U.H.A is the first organisation in Guyana whose main objective is Halaal certification.
Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG)
The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana is the oldest Islamic group in Guyana. They are involved in relief work and orphan sponsorships.
Guyana Islamic Trust
The Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) is a multi-faceted, not for profit organization which has been established since 1978.
The GIT has dedicated itself to the process of bringing about intellectual, moral and spiritual improvement to individuals, families and communities in Guyana.
Our fundamental approach is education, since ignorance is the root cause of the intolerance, racism, immorality and criminality that pervades our society and our world. Our belief that Islam holds the perfect solutions to man kind's woes is demonstrated in our of program of Da'wah, to bring Allah's message to each and every Guyanese.
The Guyana Islamic Trust manages its grass root work through fourteen Administrative Districts. Some of the areas of operations of the districts include:
- Organize Classes to educate the Muslims-young and elderly- on Islam
- Regular Family forums and Social activities
- Organize and Manage Islamic Societies in schools
- Youth Programs
- Partnership with Jamaats
- Da’wah to Non-Muslims
- Social Welfare programs
- Women’s Skills Enhancement and Educational Activities
- Medical Programs
National Islamic Sisters Association
The National Islamic Sisters Association (NISA) is the women's arm of the GIT. General areas of NISA's work include:
- Promoting the teachings and values of Islam among the women of Guyana
- Reviving the practices of the Qur'an and Sunnah in the lives of Muslim women
- Providing assistance to Muslim Women in helping them fulfill their Islamic Obligations
- Advocating the Islamic family values and the rights gifted by Islam to women in the process of reorganization of Islamic life in Guyana *and in National policy formation
- Providing counseling where necessary and providing orientation in jobs and role enhancement skills to women
- Raise funds to carry out its projects by investment, soliciting donations and executing fund raising activities.
Guyana Islamic Institute
The Guyana Islamic Institute (GII) remains one of the Caribbean's premier Islamic centers of learning.
Since its establishment in 1986, scores of students from Guyana and the Caribbean have graduated from a wide range of courses including Arabic Language, Qur'anic Sciences and Islamic Studies. Many of these graduates have since become Shuyukh, Imaams and Du'at and today are serving the Ummah in Guyana, the Caribbean, North America and other parts of the world.
The GII will continue to orient and equip its students to be Du'at in their respective communities, and for further studies at higher institutions of learning; will inculcate in them a sound exposition, understanding and knowledge of the Islamic concepts of life, death and the Hereafter; will imbue in them mannerisms, attitudes and social graces which will encourage Muslims to improve themselves and will proselytize Non-Muslims; will enhance the understanding of Islam based on the Qur'an and Sunnah; will offer the resources and training opportunities for Muslims to improve their understanding and practice of Islam.
Programs offered The GII concurrently offers two one year residential programs: one for secondary school graduates and the other being an advanced course for students completing the initial one year at the GII or having the necessary prerequisite knowledge base.
Students of these programs are given in-depth tutoring in the areas of:
- Arabic Language
- Qur'anic Sciences
- Aqeedah
- Hifz
- Fiqh
- Hadith
- Islamic History
- Da'wah Methodology
- Seerah
Ideology and Concepts. Co-curricular Activities Additionally the curriculum is complemented by special studies in Information Technology, enhancement courses in English language and exposure to basic research techniques.
Students of the GII are given hands-on experience in
- Teaching
- Delivering Khutbahs
- Da'wah to Non-Muslims
- Organizing and participating in youth activities.
- Scholarship
International
Guyana (since 1998) and Suriname (since 1996) are the only American countries which are member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.[1]
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Library of Congress Country Studies website http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/.