Islam in Brazil

Quick Facts: Who was Islam in Brazil?

Subject:

Islam in Brazil

Known for:

Islam's presence in Brazil, shaped by African slavery and Middle Eastern immigration.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Brazil is a predominantly Christian country with Islam being a minority religion, first brought by African slaves and then by Lebanese and Syrian immigrants. Due to the secular nature of Brazil's constitution, Muslims are free to proselytize and build places of worship in the country. However, Islam is not independently included in charts and graphics representing religions in Brazil due to its very small size. It is grouped with "other religions", which generally represent about 1% of the country's population. The number of Muslims in Brazil, according to the 2010 census, was 35,207 out of a population of approximately 191 million people.

Career & Major Achievements

This corresponds to 0.018% of the Brazilian population. The history of Muslims in Brazil begins with the importation of African slave labor. 37% of all African slaves were taken to Brazil. This comes to over 3 million slaves. Starting around 1550, the Portuguese began to trade in African slaves to work the sugar plantations instead of the native Tupi people.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Scholars claim that Brazil received more enslaved Muslims than anywhere else in the Americas. During the days of the Barbary Wars, some native Brazilians came into interaction with Muslim lands. It was noted by Dr. Antonio Sosa, a Portuguese cleric held captive in North Africa in the 1570s, that the port of Algiers maintained one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world including Amerindians from Iberian colonies in the New World. Barbary pirates were known to attack the shipping of slaves and merchandise while taking prisoners coming from the Americas. In 1673, 140 prisoners were taken from a Rio de Janeiro fleet, while a 1674 capture of a Brazilian ship contributed in the decision to increase naval protection.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1550: 1550 Milestone — Starting around 1550, the Portuguese began to trade in African slaves to work the sugar plantations instead of the native Tupi people.
2. 1673: 1673 Milestone — In 1673, 140 prisoners were taken from a Rio de Janeiro fleet, while a 1674 capture of a Brazilian ship contributed in the decision to increase naval protection.
3. 2010: 2010 Milestone — The number of Muslims in Brazil, according to the 2010 census, was 35,207 out of a population of approximately 191 million people.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Islam in Brazil

True or False: “The Malê Revolt of 1835 was the largest slave revolt in Brazil's history.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): It is recognized as both the largest slave revolt and the largest urban slave revolt in the entire American continent.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Islam in Brazil