A recently released video by Brut España highlights several Cuban women who have embraced Islam, sharing their motivations for converting and the challenges they face practicing the faith in Cuba.
The two-minute and 42-second footage features testimonies from Muslim Cuban women who discuss how they balance their national identity with their religious beliefs, the decision to wear the hijab, and the growth of this community in the Caribbean nation.
"The hijab doesn't make me any less Cuban. It doesn’t turn me into an Arab because I’m not. I'm Cuban, Latina, and I don’t want to lose my identity," states Maryam Camejo, one of the women interviewed in the video.
Reasons Behind Conversion to Islam
Among the reasons for adopting Islam in Cuba, many cite a "spiritual awakening" and being "partners of Muslim men." Another participant describes her journey as gradual and mindful.
"It was challenging to change my style of dressing. It was tough, just like altering my way of speaking because, as you know, Cubans tend to speak loudly and use a lot of gestures, but gradually, you learn with wisdom and understanding," explains Yailin Fernández.
Understanding the Islamic Faith
It’s crucial to differentiate between Islam, the religion; a Muslim, the follower; and Islamism, a political ideology seeking to organize the state by Islamic principles, representing only a minority within the Muslim world.
The women interviewed highlight how a lack of understanding of these terms leads to frequent confusion and prejudice in Cuba.
Challenges for Muslim Women in Cuba
In Cuba, there is just one mosque, located in Havana. Additionally, finding halal food is a significant challenge since Islam had virtually no followers on the island until recently.
"People have called me a Taliban, crazy, even a nun. That’s when you realize they can't tell the difference between a nun, a Muslim, a Christian, or a Jew, each having their distinctions," shares Isaura Margarita Argudín.
Her conclusion is straightforward: "Here in Cuba, what people lack is knowledge."
Maryam Camejo points out that practicing Islam in the West, especially in Cuba, requires additional adaptation efforts.
"Embracing Islam in the West demands having the tools to do so, which sometimes Arab scholars don't provide because they aren't here; they don't know how life is here," remarks the Cuban Muslim.
Growth of the Muslim Female Community in Cuba
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women converting to Islam, women with professional aspirations who strive to balance their faith with societal life," comments Camejo.
Though a minority, Islam is expanding in Cuba. The Cuban Islamic League estimates there are about 6,000 Muslims on the island, with approximately 1,200 being women.
The organized growth of the community began in the 1990s during the Special Period when economic hardship led to religious diversification on the island.
Until 2015, Cuban Muslims lacked their own mosque and gathered at the Arab House in Havana or private homes. That year, the Abdallah Mosque, with a capacity for 500 people, was inaugurated in Old Havana.
Yaima González, another Cuban convert, sums up the experience with a phrase encapsulating the sentiment of many: "Wearing the hijab is an act of bravery."
The video concludes with the aspirations of Pedro Lazo, a Cuban Muslim man and president of the Cuban Islamic League.
"We hope there will be more women. It's essential to have more women because they are the mothers of believers, the ones who educate. That's why we think it's excellent to have more Muslim women in Cuba, and I believe there will be more," he expresses.
Exploring Islam in Cuba: FAQs
What challenges do Muslim women face in Cuba?
Muslim women in Cuba face challenges such as societal prejudice, lack of understanding of their faith, and difficulty in finding halal food. Additionally, adapting to cultural norms while maintaining their religious practices requires effort.
How has the Muslim community in Cuba grown?
The Muslim community in Cuba has grown due to increased interest in Islam during the economic hardships of the 1990s, leading to religious diversification. The establishment of a mosque in 2015 further supported community growth.
Why do some Cuban women choose to convert to Islam?
Cuban women often choose to convert to Islam due to a personal spiritual awakening or through relationships with Muslim partners. They seek a faith that aligns with their values and provides spiritual fulfillment.