Islam thrives in stalwart catholic Dom. Rep.

Santo Domingo.- Islam, the religion born more than 1,400 years ago in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has been in Dominican Republic for 20 years, during which it established a community of more than 1,700 faithful.

As many as 15% of the country’ Moslems are Dominicans, or between 200 and 250 men and women. The vast majority are nationals from Arab and other countries who come to the main mosque or temple, located in the capital’s Francia St.

Mosque Imam (prelate) Mahmoud Hamdy said there are other small mosques in Bavaro, Santiago, Boca Chica, San José de los Llanos and Constanza.

Quoted by elcaribe.com.do, the Imam said Dominicans and foreigners flock to the mosque for five prayers each day, but most prefer worship on Fridays.