Islam in Belgium

Islam in Belgium is relatively new, and is mostly practised in the Belgian immigrant communities (mostly the Moroccan and Turkish communities). It is the largest minority religion in Belgium. It is estimated that between 3 to 4% of the Belgian population is Muslim (350 000 to 380 000 people). The majority of Belgian Muslims live in the major cities, such as Antwerp, Brussels and Charleroi.

In 1974 Islam was recognized as a one of the subsidized religions in Belgium and the Muslim Executive of Belgium was founded in 1996.

According to a 2006 opinion poll 61% of the Belgian population think tensions between muslims and other communities will increase in the future. The poll also showed that about 44% of Muslims practice Islam.

Notable Belgian Muslims:

• Dyab Abou Jahjah