History of Muslims in Latin American, a a short thread:

Unwilling converts to Christianity in Spain came to Spanish America usually w non islamic names & false documents that they were “pure” and not from muslim ancestry because immigration was restricted to those who were at least 3rd generation Christians. Book:

Despite being in Spanish America not being a threat to Spain by aiding the Ottomans, hostility towards Muslims crossed the Atlantic along w their hopes of escaping the increasing tensions. They were seen as a threat to the Church’s goal of a model catholic community.

Representation of Muslims in Spanish America were different but still negative. They were seen as “unloyal Spanish subjects.” The hostility towards them is seen in how a Mexican city is named Matamoros (killer of moors) title of a Spanish patron saint.

Mudejar (Moors) workmen were used across Latin America. You can see the cultural influence in their work during colonial days and modern architecture in Guatemala

Cardinal Ximenez de Cisneros said “they lack our faith but we lack their works.” Even though the Catholic Church hated them, they transported Muslim workers to Spanish and Portuguese colonies. (IRVING, T.B. "ISLAMIC RENEWAL IN IBERIA AND LATIN AMERICA." Islamic Studies 30, 107)

María Ruiz was a “convert” to Christianity who emigrated to Mexico. She was struggling w her faith for a time unsure of whether she wanted to be Muslim or catholic as she started reciting old prayers her mother taught her as a child. She turned herself in to inquisitors. Pg 22

This was what would become of most Muslims who remained in Spain after the reconquista. Hiding their faith or losing it. Despite what many think, they didn’t all leave Spain after the reconquista and they didn’t call abandon their faith.

If you ask most Latinos about their country’s history with Muslims it usually will not be specific or in depth or anything beyond “Yeah they conquered Spain”. They won’t realize how Muslims influenced our system of governance, architecture, our food, or how we carry their names.

My dads first and last name are not Spanish. They’re Arabic. My family name is the name of a prophet. Islam has a long history with Mexico. Muslims literally built our cities, our homes and we don’t even know it.

Also, Black Muslims in Latin America are a whole other topic. In Trinidad, a black Muslim is called “Mandingo” that shows their ancestry is from West Africa. In Brazil and the Caribbean they were not all slaves but migrants. Despite being free, law still forced them to conform

to Christian society. Muslims could not freely pray in Spanish countries. In Argentina, Islamic names were forbidden by law, only Omar was permitted (which is why it’s so popular across LA)

The Malê In Brazil was a disguised cult for Muslims to practice Islam freely. They had secret mosques. The Malê revolt was a Muslim slave rebellion in the 1800s. It was primarily organized by Yoruba Muslims and non Muslim African slaves also joined the uprising.

These are important events that shaped life and culture in Brazil and even throughout the Americas and yet little is known.

Gonna attach this here about recent Latino converts to Islam: https://twitter.com/alaztekiyyah/status/1227696131016028160?s=21 https://twitter.com/alaztekiyyah/status/1227696131016028160