As a gorgeous island archipelago nation in the South Pacific, Fiji is known for its beautiful coral reefs, beaches, and overall stunning landscape. The country is a union of more than 330 islands and has a unique blend of Indian, European, and Fijian cultures. Just a few of its well-known landmarks include the Fiji Museum, Denarau Island, Beqa Lagoon, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Garden Island, and the Bouma National Heritage Park. While Fiji is known for its tourist attractions and luxury resorts, it’s also home to people of different backgrounds and religions. The total population is around 930,000, with Muslims making up 6.3 percent. Most Muslims in Fiji are of Indo-Fijian descent, and they are concentrated in the Ba province of Fiji. The majority of Muslims follow the Sunni sect, but Shia Muslims are also present in the minority.
If you are traveling to Fiji, you will find plenty of mosques, Islamic organizations, and halal food places in the main islands, such as Viti Levu. However, as you travel to smaller islands, the Muslim population will thin out, and it will be harder to find signs of an Islamic community. We recommend that you download the Muslim and Quran mobile application for accurate Islamic prayer times in any city in Fiji. The Muslim and Quran app provides prayer timings, prayer time notifications, customizable athan notification ringtones, prayer log, qibla direction, the method to offer prayer, and more!
With an active Muslim community, it’s natural for Fiji to have various institutions that provide Islamic education. Many of these also have a secular education program alongside the religious curriculums. Some of the most significant examples of these include:
The Fiji Muslim League Schools give local Fiji Muslims a chance to learn about Islam along with regular academic classes. They comprise a variety of schools, including the Fiji Muslim High School in Suva and the Muslim Primary School in Lautoka.
Located in Suva, this location includes a community center and an education institute. It offers Quranic classes, Islamic teaching sessions, and other options for both adults and kids.
The Fiji Islamic Youth Movement (FIYM) is responsible for organizing various workshops, seminars, and other educational perks for the local Muslim Youth. It also welcomes anyone else who is interested in learning more about Islamic history, Islamic values, and different Islamic practices plus traditions.
Since Fiji is a multicultural nation, it’s relatively easier to locate halal-certified food. Many of the resorts and local restaurants have halal-certified options on hand. It’s even easy to locate halal snacks! Here are a few of the top halal dining spots for now:
This restaurant gives us several Middle Eastern options, especially fast-food choices such as shawarma, Turkish pizza, and doner kebab. There are at least two locations available for this dining spot, so it should be easy to locate when you’re in the Fiji Islands.
This restaurant is owned by a Muslim family and is located just a few kilometers from the Nadi airport. It‘s an award-winning setup that’s still quite humble. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of dishes from Chinese, Indian, and fast-food menus. There are also sweets, snacks, and pizzas available for those who want a quick bite to eat:
Mezbaan is where visitors and residents can enjoy the most delicious Arabic and Bengali dishes in the nation. It’s owned by a Bengali Muslim and provides quality gourmet options at reasonable prices. The menu contains seafood options like Bengali snapper, prawn masala, crab yellow masala, and a variety of choices from the tandoor kitchen. There’s also a variety of different kebabs for those who want a more Middle Eastern touch.
If you’re in the mood to cook your own food, Fiji has several butchers that provide halal meats. These include the following:
The Muslim community in Fiji might face a lack of resources, but it’s still an active and thriving phenomenon. If you’re in the area for some time, make sure to download the Muslim and Quran app to stay updated on Islamic prayer times and connect with the Fijian Muslim community. There might be some challenges involved, but it’s worth connecting with the community through local events, prayer groups, and other gatherings.
At Muslim and Quran, we focus on making it easy for Muslims to stay connected to their faith and relevant communities all over the world. Make sure to turn on the notifications for the most beneficial experience!