Mosques
Imagine a Guadeloupe where traditions, cultures and beliefs coexist in perfect harmony. And what if Islam, still unknown to some, were part of this rich and fascinating mix ? In this article, we invite you to discover a sometimes discreet but essential aspect of the island: mosques and the Muslim community.
You'll learn where these places of worship are located, how they function, and why they play a crucial role in spiritual and social life. You'll immerse yourself in the religious practices that punctuate the lives of the faithful, and understand how local tolerance contributes to this peaceful coexistence.
The presence of Islam in Guadeloupe
What if Islam in Guadeloupe wasn’t just about faith, but also a story of cultural diversity and successful integration? Did you know that today, the Guadeloupean Muslim community includes around 1,000 believers from varied backgrounds such as North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and even native converts? Fascinating, right?
Take the example of Dgibril, a Guadeloupean convert, who explains that his spiritual journey found answers in the Quran. For him, Islam opened a door to serenity and a connection to his roots. Could it be the same for others?
Far from clichés, Muslims on the island live their faith peacefully. Here, wearing a headscarf or praying at the mosque doesn’t raise eyebrows. Guadeloupe proves that with a little tolerance and a lot of humanity, peaceful coexistence is not a utopia.
Places of worship : the mosques in Guadeloupe
The two main mosques in Guadeloupe are located in Les Abymes, near Pointe-à-Pitre.
Al Madina Mosque stands out for its openness and community activities. It is open 24/7, welcoming worshippers for the five daily prayers and major religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The mosque can accommodate about 250 people in its main prayer hall, which covers an area of around 200 m².
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque, also located in Les Abymes, serves as an active center for the Ahmadiyya community—a branch of Islam known for its commitment to interfaith dialogue and the promotion of peace. It can host up to 150 people and includes additional spaces for educational and social activities.
A new construction project is currently underway in the same commune. Led by the Muslim Association of Guadeloupe, it aims to build a modern mosque capable of welcoming up to 500 worshippers. The site will include prayer halls, training spaces, and meeting areas to encourage inter-community dialogue, with a total surface area estimated at 1,000 m².
Islam arrived in Guadeloupe with 20th-century migrations, notably from North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the Muslim community includes people from diverse origins, as well as local converts. According to a France-Antilles article, Guadeloupean Islam is described as "quiet," reflecting its peaceful integration and coexistence with other faiths.
The renewal of Islamic faith in Guadeloupe is marked by local initiatives promoting the values of tolerance, peace, and sharing. Mosques play a central role in this process, organizing community events, Arabic language classes, and spiritual lectures. The new mosque project reflects this positive momentum and the desire to adapt worship spaces to the growing needs of the community.
Religious practices and events
The Muslim religious calendar in Guadeloupe is filled with events that strengthen faith and community unity. Ramadan, a central time for Muslims, is particularly respected on the island. During this sacred month, worshippers abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to sunset—a discipline observed by around 1,000 local Muslims. These practices are not seen as constraints but as acts of purification and devotion.
Eid celebrations, which mark the end of Ramadan, are joyful and generous occasions. Families gather to pray, share meals, and show kindness to those in need. These practices reinforce social ties and embody universal values like mutual support.
What services do mosques in Guadeloupe offer ?
Beyond their central role in religious life, mosques in Guadeloupe offer a range of essential services to the Muslim community. They serve as places of worship for the five daily prayers and larger gatherings, such as Friday prayers. These moments, led by the imam, strengthen both spiritual and social bonds.
But their role goes beyond that. Mosques like those in Raizet and Grand-Camp offer educational classes to deepen understanding of Islamic teachings. These lessons are open to both children and adults, allowing everyone to expand their knowledge of the Quran and traditions.
They also act as centers for social support. For example, during Ramadan, mosques organize meal distributions to help those in need. These initiatives, rooted in solidarity and sharing, reflect Islam’s core values.
Where to find halal restaurants or butcher shops in Guadeloupe ?
Finding halal products in Guadeloupe is entirely possible, although the options are more limited than in other regions. Muslims on the island—as well as others who choose to consume halal—can rely on a few trusted spots. Halal butcher shops, mainly located near Pointe-à-Pitre and Les Abymes, offer meats certified according to Islamic standards.
Halal restaurants, though fewer in number, also meet this specific demand. Some family-run establishments serve traditional dishes that blend local flavors with Middle Eastern recipes. These places are valuable for those looking for a culinary experience that aligns with their religious beliefs.
Halal products can also be found in local supermarkets. These stores, typically located near major towns, offer a selection of suitable foods, allowing families to cook at home with peace of mind.