The Latino community is the largest minority group in the United States, with over 50 million Hispanic Americans. While the majority were raised Catholic, a growing number are finding their way to Islam. There are now an estimated 200,000 Latino Muslims in America, and that number continues to rise.
A Growing Community
Nadia Massedi from Uruguay became Muslim a year before this report, initially thinking her nationality would be a barrier to exploring Islam. She found a welcoming home at a mosque in Union City, New Jersey, where 30% of the members are Hispanic. The mosque now offers Quran lessons in Spanish to help converts learn about their new faith.
“I didn’t even know there were Latino Muslims. Everybody has always been available to me. Anytime I needed something, they were always available. And that’s how I made friends, real friends.”
9/11 as a Turning Point
Nahila Morales, who works with the outreach group WhyIslam, was raised Catholic but became Muslim after the September 11th attacks sparked her curiosity to learn more. Her story is not unique:
- Many Latinos came to Islam after 9/11, an event that made them research the faith for themselves
- The Hispanic Muslim community is growing rapidly with converts from South America, Mexico, and across the US
- New Muslims like Nadia still face challenges, including losing friends and even jobs over their faith
“A lot of people came to Islam after 9/11. They had no idea what Islam was. They had never even heard of this religion.”
Despite the hostility and ignorance that new Muslims often face, the Latino Muslim community continues to grow and thrive. As the face of America changes, this minority within a minority stands as a powerful testimony that Islam transcends every cultural and ethnic boundary.
