A Short History of Islam in Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom

Islam has a long and varied history in Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom. The earliest documented evidence of the presence of Muslims in the county dates back to the late 19th century, when a small number of Muslim sailors arrived in the area. They were mostly of Somali and East African origin, and found work in the local fishing and agricultural industries. During the early 20th century, further waves of Muslim immigrants arrived in Huntingdonshire, mostly from the Middle East and Asia, with many settling in the city of Huntingdon. This influx of immigrants resulted in the establishment of the first mosque in the county, the Huntingdon Islamic Centre, which opened its doors in 1934.

The number of Muslims in Huntingdonshire increased significantly after the Second World War, as many refugees from the Middle East and Africa sought sanctuary in the United Kingdom. This resulted in the opening of several more mosques, including the Huntingdon Islamic Centre (now known as the Huntingdon Islamic Cultural Centre), the Bedford Islamic Centre, and the Cambridge Mosque. These mosques served as focal points for the local Muslim communities, providing a place of worship, education, and social activities for their members.

Since then, the Muslim population in Huntingdonshire has grown steadily, with many new mosques being established over the years. This growth has been largely driven by immigration from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Somalia. In recent years, the Muslim population in the county has continued to increase, with many younger Muslims choosing to settle in Huntingdonshire.

What is the Approximate Population of Muslims in Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom?

According to the 2011 census, the total population of Muslims in Huntingdonshire was estimated to be 6,852. This is approximately 3.5% of the total population of the county, making Muslims one of the largest religious minorities in Huntingdonshire.

When Have the First Muslims Moved to Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom?

The first Muslims to settle in Huntingdonshire arrived in the late 19th century, mostly from Somalia and East Africa. These immigrants found work in the local fishing and agricultural industries, and were later joined by other waves of Muslim immigrants from the Middle East and Asia, who arrived in the early 20th century.

What are the Current Demographics of Muslims in Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom?

According to the 2011 census, the majority of Muslims in Huntingdonshire are of Pakistani (44.4%), Bangladeshi (18.5%), Indian (17.4%), and Somali (8.4%) origin. The remaining 11.3% is made up of a mix of other nationalities.

Which is More Prominent in Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of Muslims in Huntingdonshire follow the Sunni branch of Islam. According to the 2011 census, approximately 76.7% of Muslims in the county identify as Sunni, while 23.3% identify as Shia.

What are the Main Mosques in Huntingdonshire, United Kingdom?

The main mosques in Huntingdonshire are the Huntingdon Islamic Centre, the Bedford Islamic Centre, the Cambridge Mosque, and the Huntingdon Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre. Other mosques in the county include the Al-Muntada Al-Islami Mosque in Huntingdon, the Al-Huda Mosque in St Neots, the Huntingdon Islamic Centre in Godmanchester, and the Al-Noor Mosque in Huntingdon.

The Huntingdon Islamic Centre is the oldest mosque in Huntingdonshire, having been established in 1934. It is an important focal point for the local Muslim community, providing a place of worship, education, and social activities for its members. The Bedford Islamic Centre was established in 1979, and is one of the largest mosques in the county. The Cambridge Mosque is a newer establishment, having only been opened in 2008. It is a popular destination for Muslims from across the United Kingdom, and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant cultural activities.

These mosques provide vital support and guidance for Muslims in Huntingdonshire, and play an important role in promoting understanding and harmony between different faiths and cultures. They are also a source of pride for the local Muslim community, and a reminder of the long and varied history of Islam in Huntingdonshire.