Latino Muslims and Ramadan: Embracing Islam Through a Latino Lens

When thinking of Islam, many people might envision majestic mosques in the Middle East or maybe Ramadan bazaars in South Asia. What might be less likely to come to mind is a Latino family breaking their fast during Ramadan with arroz con gandules, or a group of Latino Muslims gathering for Eid (celebrations to conclude the month of fasting), speaking Spanish while reciting their prayers in Arabic. Yet, for a growing number of Latinos, Islam is a faith they’ve adopted and woven into their cultural identity.

It’s a lesser-known fact that Latino Muslims have long been a part of both religious and cultural landscapes in the Americas. The number of Latino Muslims in the U.S. has been growing steadily, now making up around 8% of the total Muslim population in the country, which is estimated at 276,000 people. A small, yet vibrant group of people with a unique experience of Latinidad.

The Ties Between Islam and Latino Heritage

Islam’s presence in Latino culture is not recent and its history is rich, shaped by historical events, migration, and cultural exchanges over centuries. The most significant historical connection comes from the Moorish rule of Spain from the 8th to the 15th century, which left an enduring impact on the Spanish language and culture. This is why over 4,000 Spanish words—including “ojalá” (hopefully) and “aceituna” (olive)—have Arabic origins.

Despite the forced expulsion of Muslims from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, Islam still found its way to the Americas. Some enslaved Africans brought to Latin America were Muslim, maintaining their faith in secret while subtly influencing local cultures. Later, waves of Arabic-speaking immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine settled in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela, bringing Islam with them.

Available data from 2010 and 2011 shows that Latin America and the Caribbean are home to approximately 840,000 Muslims, with numbers expected to increase in the coming decades. According to the Pew Research Center, “The number of Muslims in the 51 countries in the Americas is projected to more than double in the next 20 years, from 5.3 million in 2010 to 10.9 million in 2030.”

This growth is largely driven by conversions, as many Latinos find deep meaning in Islam without having to renounce their cultural identity. “The beauty is that we’re not expected to commit cultural apostasy when we convert to Islam. On the other hand, what’s expected is that we beautify our culture. We’re able to beautify our culture through our faith practice,” Hazel Gomez, a Puerto Rican and Mexican Muslim, shared with Religion News.

Ramadan for Latino Muslims: A Blend of Tradition and Faith

Like Muslims around the world, Latino Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. However, their meals look different because they incorporate the Latino flavors they love. Instead of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, many Latino Muslims prepare arroz con gandules, pollo guisado, pasteles, empanadas, and sorullos for suhoor (early morning meal before fasting for the day) or iftar (fast-breaking evening meal). These dishes are prepared following halal dietary restrictions.

For Islam converts Julio Ortiz and Shinoa Matos, Ramadan preparations are made in Puerto Rican style to honor their roots and culture. They shared with Muslim Matters that their Ramadan involves getting their children excited about the fasting season, making schedules so they can attend taraweeh prayers, planning their meals with their children, making sure to include Puerto Rican dishes like sorullos and more, and even decorating their home. That said, every Latino Muslim family prepares for Ramadan differently. Some of them set more time aside for reflection or to engage with the local Latino Muslim community, attending Mosque events, and more.

Support networks are essential, particularly for new converts who may feel isolated. Groups like the DMV Latino Muslim Association host Ramadan potluck iftars where Latino Muslims are encouraged to bring dishes from their home countries. These events create a sense of belonging and provide a space for Latino Muslims to share their experiences and celebrate their faith while maintaining a strong connection to their culture.

Community and Faith: Celebrating Ramadan Together

Community plays an essential role in Ramadan as well, and Latino Muslims often seek out shared spaces where they can celebrate with others who understand their dual identity. Organizations like IslamInSpanish and events like "Taco Trucks at Every Mosque" provide spaces for Latino Muslims to connect, learn, and share meals.

For many Latino converts, celebrating Ramadan comes with unique challenges. Some struggle with acceptance from family members who may not fully understand their religious shift. Others navigate the balance between Latino cultural traditions and Islamic practices.

Hazel Gomez, a Puerto Rican and Mexican Muslim, recalls how embracing her dual identity took time in a Religion News article, stating: "I remember that feeling of trying to navigate my Latinidad and hold on to who I am while balancing this faith." For Latino Muslims, converting to Islam doesn't mean abandoning Latino culture but rather embracing it through an Islamic lens.

Adapting Traditions to Fit Faith

Latino Muslims have found creative ways to merge their cultural traditions with Islamic practices. Piñatas are often used in Eid, filled with candy for children and adding a festive Latino touch to the holiday. Some families also decorate their homes with "Feliz Ramadan" banners and colorful papel picado to mark the holy month in a way that feels both familiar and spiritually significant. Additionally, Latino Muslims make halal adaptations to their favorite dishes, making sure to maintain their traditional flavors while respecting Islamic dietary laws.

The increasing presence of Latino Muslims has also led to the development of Spanish-language resources about Islam, making it easier for new converts to learn and practice their faith. This is a significant shift because, in the past, most Latino converts had to navigate their new religious identity without access to information in their native language.

The Future of Latino Islam

The number of Latino Muslims is expected to continue growing, both in the U.S. and across Latin America. As more people find connections between their own values and Islam, the blending of these cultures will continue to shape how Ramadan and other Islamic traditions are celebrated within Latino communities.

For many Latino Muslims, their faith and heritage are not separate but deeply intertwined. Whether through the food they cook, the language they speak, or the communities they build, they’re creating a unique expression of Islam—one that is distinctly Latino.