what is the current state of islam in portugal?

 The current state of Islam in Portugal reflects a small but diverse and well-integrated Muslim community within a predominantly Christian majority country. According to the 2021 census, Muslims represent around 0.4% of the total population, with the Muslim population in 2019 estimated at approximately 65,000 people

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.  This community is primarily Sunni, with a significant Shia minority, including 20,000 to 22,000 Ismaili Muslims

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.The origins of the Muslim population in Portugal are varied, with many coming from the Middle East, the Maghreb region, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. A portion of the community also traces its roots back to the former Portuguese overseas provinces

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.  Despite the historical challenges, including the expulsion of Muslims during the period of the Reconquista and the Edict of Expulsion in 1497, today's Muslim community in Portugal enjoys the freedom to practice their religion, convert, and build mosques, thanks to the secular nature of the Constitution of Portugal

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.The integration of Muslims into Portuguese society is highlighted by their diverse origins, including former Portuguese colonies such as Guinea-Bissau, and their familiarity with the language and culture. This integration is facilitated by the community's efforts to learn the language and participate in the broader society, avoiding the formation of isolated ghettos

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.  The Muslim leaders in Portugal express confidence in the community's integration and do not seem worried about the rise of anti-Islam sentiments, as exemplified by the Chega party's rhetoric. This confidence is attributed to the well-integrated status of Muslims in Portugal, contrasting with the situation in some other European countries

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.Relations within the Muslim community, including between Sunni and Shia leaders, are described as excellent, indicating a cohesive and supportive religious environment

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.  This positive internal dynamic contributes to the community's resilience in the face of challenges and its ability to maintain a peaceful and productive presence in Portugal.In summary, the current state of Islam in Portugal is characterized by a small, diverse, and well-integrated Muslim community that enjoys religious freedom and positive relations both within its own ranks and with the broader Portuguese society.

what is the history of Islam in Portugal?

 The history of Islam in Portugal dates back to the 8th century when Muslim forces, mainly composed of Arabs and Berbers from North Africa, invaded and established control over the region. This period is known as the era of al-Andalus, which refers to the Muslim-ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula, including what is now Portugal

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Early Islamic Conquest and Rule

The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula began in 711 AD when Muslim armies crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and defeated the Visigothic Kingdom that ruled the region. By 722, the Muslims had colonized the territory of modern-day Portugal and integrated it into the Umayyad Empire

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.  The region south of the Mondego River, along with the Alentejo and Algarve regions, remained under Islamic rule for several centuries

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Cultural and Scientific Contributions

Under Muslim rule, the region prospered and made significant advancements in various fields such as mathematics, medicine, engineering, and astronomy. The Islamic period also left a lasting impact on Portuguese language, architecture, agriculture, and cuisine. For instance, the use of azulejos (ceramic tiles) in Portuguese architecture and the introduction of crops like rice, peaches, and olives can be traced back to the Muslim presence in the region

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The Reconquista and Decline

The Christian Reconquista was a series of campaigns by Christian kingdoms to reclaim territory from Muslim rule. This process began in the early Middle Ages and culminated in the 13th century when the last Muslim strongholds in Portugal were recaptured

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.  Despite the end of Islamic political control, the Muslim population remained in the region, and their cultural influence persisted.

Expulsion and Modern Presence

The Muslim presence in Portugal officially ended in 1497 with King Manuel I's Edict of Expulsion, which ordered the expulsion of Jews and Moors (Muslims) from Portugal

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.  Today, the Muslim community in Portugal is relatively small, with most of the population originating from the Middle East, the Maghreb, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. The community enjoys the freedom to practice their religion and maintain their cultural practices

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Legacy and Rediscovery

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in rediscovering Portugal's Muslim past. This includes acknowledging the influence of Islamic culture on Portuguese society and recognizing the contributions of Muslims to the country's history

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.  Despite the historical significance, the Islamic period is often only briefly studied in Portuguese schools, with more emphasis placed on the Christian reconquest

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.In summary, the history of Islam in Portugal is marked by an early period of conquest and rule, significant cultural and scientific contributions, followed by a gradual decline due to the Reconquista, and an eventual expulsion of Muslims. The legacy of this period, however, continues to be felt in various aspects of Portuguese culture and society.