Islam in Belarus

A number of religions like Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism are followed in Belarus. Islam in Belarus is mainly practiced by the immigrants who are Muslim. The birth of Islam in Belarus dates back to the 14th century. Thousands of Tartar Muslims settled in Belarus encouraged by Lithuanian princes and formed the stringent followers of Islam in Belarus. Though some of them influenced by Christianity turned to Christians but majority followed Islam. The tartars were the followers of the Sunni Hanafi Islam group.

Practice of Islam in Belarus is done widely and the inhabitants have shown tolerance to Islam in Belarus. Now there are about 25 communities of Islam in Belarus.

A number of mosques have been established on the heart of Belarus. The first mosques date back to 14th and 15th century. The mosques established within the last decade are:

• 1994 - the Mosque in Slonim was opened
• 1996 - mosque in Smilovichi was opened
• 1997 - a Mosque in Novogrudok was opened and foundation stone was laid for Mosque in Minsk

Mosques are also found at Ivye, Slonim and Kletsk and at Vidzy in the Vitebsk region. More than a lack of followers of Islam in Belarus congregated to the mosque of Smilovichi in 2006 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mohammad Prophet and to discuss the problems faced by the Muslims of the country. With each year the number of people practicing Islam in Belarus is rising.