MUSLIM MINORITY COMMUNITY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: A STUDY OF TRANSNATIONALISM

Abstract

A vibrant Muslim minority exists in Trinidad and Tobago distinguished by its multicultural and multi-religious makeup. The genesis of this Muslim society can be attributed to the African slaves, Indian indentured immigrants, and Arabic-speaking immigrants hailing from the Middle East. Throughout the course of time, the Muslim community has experienced notable growth, making substantial contributions to the societal, cultural, and economic framework of the nation. Extensive scholarly investigations have been conducted regarding the historical roots of Muslims and the expansion of the Muslim populace. However, there remains a scholarly imperative to undertake an academic inquiry into the establishment and progression of the Muslim minority community in this specific geographical location. Such research should be approached through the application of a suitable social sciences theory, accompanied by a systematic and rigorous examination of existing literature. The notion of transnationalism places emphasis on the interconnections and relationships that individuals and groups maintain beyond the confines of national borders. This idea acknowledges that social, cultural, and economic connections are not limited to a singular nation-state but transcend geographical boundaries. It is recognized that migrants frequently uphold robust affiliations with their nations of origin while concurrently participating in their host communities. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the historical roots and demographic expansion of the Muslim minority in Trinidad and Tobago, employing the transnationalism theory as a framework to ascertain the most precise and comprehensive elucidation.