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Christian community in VI 'very welcoming'- Muslim expat

- Imam Abdul Malik says life in Territory has been testing as a result of coronavirus pandemic
Imam Abdul Malik, a Muslim expat currently living in the Virgin Islands (VI) says since moving to the territory just about a year ago, things have been testing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Facebook/File
The Imam, who is the resident religious leader of the BVI Islamic Society appeared on the Monday, January 11, 2021, edition of the Umoja Show with moderator Cromwell Smith aka Enju En Ka on ZBVI radio 780am where he spoke about his experiences living the VI thus far. Photo: Facebook/File
The Imam, who is the resident religious leader of the BVI Islamic Society appeared on the Monday, January 11, 2021, edition of the Umoja Show with moderator Cromwell Smith aka Enju En Ka on ZBVI radio 780am where he spoke about his experiences living the VI thus far. Photo: Facebook/File
Imam Abdul Malik claimed that while Muslims believe the Holy Bible is the word of God, there are some authenticity issues with some aspects of the Bible that came as a result changes, which he said has corrupted the meaning of the word. Photo: Internet Source
Imam Abdul Malik claimed that while Muslims believe the Holy Bible is the word of God, there are some authenticity issues with some aspects of the Bible that came as a result changes, which he said has corrupted the meaning of the word. Photo: Internet Source
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Imam Abdul Malik, a Muslim expatriate in the Virgin Islands (VI), says since moving to the territory just about a year ago things have been testing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Imam, who is the resident religious leader of the BVI Islamic Society, appeared on the Monday, January 11, 2021, edition of the Umoja Show with moderator Cromwell Smith aka 'Enju En Ka' on ZBVI radio 780AM where he spoke about his experiences living the VI.

Testing year brought about by the pandemic 

“We are a relatively small community, myself, I am relatively new to the BVI as a Muslin man. I’ve only been here for the period of one year, and unfortunately, it has been a very testing year because of the pandemic,” he said.

The Imam noted that while he is still new to doing ‘Islamic work’ in the territory, the religion remains relatively small compared to other religions like Christianity.

Over the years, while many VI Christian leaders have found themselves embroiled in scandal, the Imam said his experience co-existing with Christianity and Christian leaders has been positive so far.

“Based on my experience personally, I have found the community in the BVI, despite being a Christian community, they are very welcoming,” he said.

He dispelled talks of any backlash or hostility from the Christian Community for being Muslim.

Muslims & Christians co-exist in local unity 

“That’s the thing with religion, we are all supposed to be able to co-exist with social cohesion, without any dispute, despite our religious beliefs. So thus far, I have not experienced any hostility or any difficulties.

"I have witnessed a fair amount cohesion in the BVI,” he said.

The Imam; however, moved to clear up one misconception he said is held by Christians and non-Muslims, which is that Muslims refer to ‘Allah’ is a different God, than the God worshipped by Christians and Jews.

“This is not true, there’s only one God…  we believe that there is one God, but Allah is just that Arabic word that’s used,” he said. 

To illustrate his point, the Imam revealed that in Arabic speaking countries, Christians and Jews would refer to God as ‘Allah’ and hence, in the Arabic versions of the Holy Bible, the world Allah would be there instead of God.

Translating the word 

He said that while Muslims believe that the Holy Bible is indeed the word of God, there are some authenticity issues with some aspects of the Bible that came as a result of changes.

This change he said corrupted the revelation and the true meaning of the Bible.

The Imam noted, however, that the Holy Quran does not have the same authenticity issues, as it is often cited in its original Arabic text.

21 Responses to “Christian community in VI 'very welcoming'- Muslim expat”

  • Teach Them (12/01/2021, 07:03) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell them about coexisting in unity,. Everyone respect each other and their deferences,,,,, Wisdom will out live ignorance
    • Wellsah (12/01/2021, 08:20) Like (6) Dislike (18) Reply
      Well what he doing here buddy
    • jail (12/01/2021, 08:23) Like (5) Dislike (22) Reply
      The bvi lives off of Christianity that’s why we forever prosper here we don’t live off of Muslim nation or whatever it’s called
  • Salam (12/01/2021, 07:06) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    All i would like to say is that there are many others muslims in the BVI before Mr. Came here they even had a place of worship even all the Serians here are muslims so BVI was always welcoming not just now.
  • Richie (12/01/2021, 07:35) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply

    It is very pleasing to have religious diversity within our community. Its also good that the Imam feels welcomed. We must tread lightly however.

  • LilyAnn (12/01/2021, 07:57) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    He's new, thats why, wait til he get stale ....
  • justice (12/01/2021, 08:21) Like (6) Dislike (20) Reply
    Why are they trying to change our culture here we are a Christian community
    • Trump (12/01/2021, 15:14) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      @justice. You are the world's greatest JACA$@. Where did you read the came here to change anything. Ass$@&#. Christianity is certainly not working for the BVI. You better look pass your eyelashes for something else. If you call this a Christian Community a lot of are will go to hell with byour eyes wide open. And not even Satan want you Christians there with him. So put that in your pipe and smoke it...FOOL
  • WHAT!!! (12/01/2021, 09:07) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    “justice” no one is trying to “change our christian community”. We have a diverse community and freedom of religion is part of it, typical reaction of a brainwashed christian.
  • Thanks.. (12/01/2021, 10:06) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    Oh, ok. So that's the man I've been seeing around town in a grey dress! Phew..
  • wise up (12/01/2021, 11:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    May Allah give these people here some wisdom, knowledge and understanding of this life and help them to understand that’s hating your brother and sisters because they from down island and because u have more than them it’s ok to abuse and take advantage.A time will come and we all will be on one Level ameen.
  • Real (12/01/2021, 12:04) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    A bible is dropped outside the church, you pick it up and go to church

    A koran is dropped outside, its sacrilege , it needs to be clean , wrapped in pure white linen and given a burial

    WTF
    • WHAT!!! (12/01/2021, 15:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      “Real”. So one path of religious thought is different from another, does that make yours the correct one “WTF”
  • ali (12/01/2021, 12:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    God is good
  • musa (12/01/2021, 13:10) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bvi very bless place to live .
  • dstretre (12/01/2021, 21:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  • Real (12/01/2021, 22:21) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    All religion is full of shyte. Y'all better start looking into yourself to find progress instead of giving power to Somyone who never exist
  • musa (13/01/2021, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr real just need you to know this that we always exist in different body base on our actions ,for example if you live a good life or a bad one your actions will determine your next body .
  • Sad (13/01/2021, 07:47) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply

    Things are the way it is because they are the minority, anytime the Muslim population starts to grow there will be problems, sad but true....



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