Suriname, which is officially known as the Republic of Suriname, is a country located in South America. This part of the world is also referred to as a part of the Caribbean and the West Indies. Suriname is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. According to a 2012 research, about 13.9 percent of the Suriname population is Muslim. This makes up 75,053 Muslims in 2012, whereas there were about 66,307 Muslims in 2004. The number keeps increasing; however, the percentage of the Muslim community has decreased due to the conversion of the Ahmadi community that turned into Christians.
67% of Javanese Surinamese people and 13% of Indo-Surinamese people make up most of the Muslim population in the country. The majority of these Muslims are of the Sunni sector, while a few belong to Shi’a and Ahmadiyya communities. The ancestors of the Muslims in Suriname are mostly foreigners who traveled from India and Indonesia in search of a source to earn. Hence, the Muslim community has a great Indian influence, which has been carried out in the further generations. These people share the same culture and a presence of Afghan culture can also be seen due to the Afghan population in Suriname.
Praying five times a day is an essential pillar of Islam and this law is necessary to be followed by every Muslim. We, as Muslims, may face hardship while traveling to a new country as the prayer times vary from location to location. This means having a permanent way to find out the correct information about the prayer times, location of the mosques, etc, is a must.
If you are new in the country and have no idea about the prayer times in Suriname, there is a permanent solution to your problem. By logging on to the Muslim and Quran websites or installing the app on your mobile phone, you can easily get the information you seek. After the app is installed on your device, it will automatically track your current location and direct you to the exact prayer time based on that. This is very helpful for traveling enthusiasts or anyone who does not want to miss a single prayer.
With the migration and increasing number of Muslims in Suriname, the government is trying to provide Muslims with educational institutions. Many madrassas, schools, and mosques are being made to fulfill the educational needs of the community. Paramaribo, Dhul Quidah is one of the largest institutes for providing higher Islamic education.
The institute came in place with donations from the local Surianamese Muslims. This school holds its significance as it does not only allow Muslims of Suriname but from neighboring countries as well. The teachers of the schools are mostly from Pakistan.
Other than schools, there are many big and small mosques in the country. These mosques are not just a place of worship but a sign of the significance of Islam in this region. These mosques provide a place of worship to Muslims and educate them about the principles and values of Islam. Suriname City Mosque is one of the big mosques in Paramaribo which acts as the headquarters of the community. Many Islamic events and gatherings take place in this mosque.
Since 1843, when the migration began in Suriname from the neighboring countries, the demand for jobs and work opportunities increased. Thus, many big and small organizations were made to assist the new members. The main aim was to develop educational institutions, including small mosques and madrassas. It was the year 1929 when all the Muslims united under one organization, forming a community. The Surinamese Islamic Association (SIV) was then established in 1929 and was made by almost 600 believers from all across the country.
The Surinamese Islamic Association is under a proper system whose members are selected every three years by the other members of the community. This organization gets great assistance from different committees of the constitution. This is the main organization while it has a few other sister organizations that run independently. This initiative was taken to unite the Muslim community as one and provide them opportunities same as the other communities in the country.
Many food places are offering halal food in Suriname most of which are located in Paramaribo because of the majority Muslim population residing there. Sarinah is one of the food places located at 187 Verlengde Gemenelandsweg, Paramaribo, Suriname 10240, made specially to cater Muslim community. It has a full halal menu, which people can enjoy there or takeaway as well.
Joem's Halal Food and Mezze Restaurant, also located in Paramaribo, are two other places serving delicious halal food. Specially if you are craving Turkish cuisine including chicken and lamb Kebabs, Mezze Restaurant is a must-visit. These food places are halal-certified, so Muslims can trust them easily and enjoy the delicious flavors they are offering.