| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1,943 | — |
| 2011 | 3,832 | +7.03% |
| 2021 | 10,870 | +10.99% |
| Census data on the number of Muslims in Northern Ireland began in 2001. | ||
Islam in Northern Ireland detailsIslam inNorthern Ireland since its creation as a separate country within the United Kingdom[1] on 3 May 1921, under theGovernment of Ireland Act 1920.[2]
Though a small number ofMuslims already lived in what became Northern Ireland in 1921, the bulk of Muslims in Northern Ireland today come from families who immigrated since the late 20th century. At the time of the 2001 Census there were 1,943 living inNorthern Ireland,[3] though The 2021 census recorded 10,870 Muslims in Northern Ireland.[4] The Muslims in Northern Ireland come from over 40 countries of origin, from Western Europe all the way through to the Far East.[5]
The Belfast Islamic Centre was established in 1978 by a group of Muslims from the local community. The centre is located nearQueens University in southBelfast. Today, the centre acts not only as a place of worship, but as a community centre, social-cultural centre, resource centre, advice centre and a day centre.[6]
According toThe Economist, "Many of the 4,000 or so Muslims...are doctors, academics, entrepreneurs and property developers. Only in the past few years have they been joined by a poorer group of asylum-seekers from Somalia. They tend to inhabit leafy, cosmopolitan districts in south Belfast, nearQueen’s University where many have taught or studied."[7]
| Year | Percent | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 0.11% | - |
| 2011 | 0.21% | +0.10% |
| 2021 | 0.57% | +0.36% |
As of December 2019, there are a total of ten Islamic centres or prayer places in Northern Ireland.[9] Almost half of these are located in or nearBelfast. These Islamic centres are: Belfast Islamic Centre (BIC), Belfast; Northern Ireland Muslim Family Association (NIMFA), Belfast; Dunmurry Masjid, Belfast; Newtownards Mosque,Newtownards; Muslim Association of Coleraine,Coleraine; North West Islamic Association,Derry; Muslim Association of Craigavon,Craigavon; Aman Association,County Fermanagh; Muslim Association of Newry,Newry; and Dungannon Muslim community centre,Dungannon.
These centres organise social and religious events for the Muslim communities in their respective areas.
