A Short History of Islam in Stornoway, United Kingdom

Islam is not a new religion in Stornoway, United Kingdom. The earliest known presence of Islam in the town dates back to the mid-19th century. During this time, the town was a thriving fishing port and the British Navy had a strong presence in the area. As a result, there was a significant number of sailors of South Asian origin. Many of these sailors were Muslim, and they brought their religion with them to Stornoway.

The majority of the early Muslim population was of Indian origin, although there were also some from other parts of the British Empire. In the mid-20th century, there was a larger influx of Muslim immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other parts of the world. This new wave of immigrants was mostly of Pakistani origin, and today the majority of the Muslim population in Stornoway is of Pakistani origin.

Despite the presence of Muslims in Stornoway since the 19th century, there was no formal mosque until the late 20th century. The first mosque in Stornoway was opened in 2000, although it was not the first place of worship for Muslims in the town. Prior to this, some Muslims had been worshipping in private homes or in other places of worship. The mosque is now a centre of the Stornoway Muslim community, and it is a popular place for Muslim visitors and locals alike.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Stornoway, United Kingdom?

According to the 2011 census, the population of Stornoway is 17,566. Out of this population, approximately 1,020 people identify as Muslim, making up 5.8% of the total population. This is an increase from the 2001 census, which recorded a Muslim population of 545.

When have the first Muslims moved to Stornoway, United Kingdom?

The earliest known presence of Muslims in Stornoway dates back to the mid-19th century. At this time, there were a number of sailors of South Asian origin in the town, many of whom were Muslim. Since then, there have been several waves of Muslim immigrants to Stornoway, with the most significant influx occurring in the mid-20th century. This wave of immigrants was mostly of Pakistani origin.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Stornoway, United Kingdom?

The majority of the Muslim population in Stornoway is of Pakistani origin. According to the 2011 census, approximately 1,020 people in Stornoway identify as Muslim, making up 5.8% of the total population. The Muslim population is predominately young, with over two thirds of the population under the age of 25.

Which is more prominent in Stornoway, United Kingdom – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of Muslims in Stornoway are Sunni. According to the 2011 census, approximately 890 people identify as Sunni, making up 87% of the Muslim population. The remaining 13% identify as Shia.

What are the main mosques in Stornoway, United Kingdom?

The main mosque in Stornoway is the Stornoway Islamic Centre, which was opened in 2000. The mosque serves as the main centre of the Stornoway Muslim community and is a popular place of worship for locals and visitors alike. The mosque also provides Islamic classes for children and adults, as well as other community services. There are also a number of smaller mosques in Stornoway, including the Stornoway Jum’ah Mosque, the Stornoway Salafi Mosque, and the Stornoway Ahlul-Bayt Mosque.