• IslamInSpanish opened a new Islamic center in southwest Houston for Latino Muslims on November 16, 2024.
• The center offers Spanish-language Islamic education and services, blending culture and faith.
In the heart of southwest Houston, Texas, a growing population of Latino Muslims is finding a unique space that bridges their cultural heritage with their Islamic faith.
The IslamInSpanishCentro Islámico, which celebrated the grand opening of its new facility on November 16, 2024, represents a milestone for both the Latino and Muslim communities in the United States.
The story of IslamInSpanish began in 2001, when Colombian-American convert Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher founded the organization. Inspired by his own experiences of converting to Islam, Fletcher saw a critical gap in resources for Spanish-speaking Muslims. He began producing audio and video content to explain Islamic teachings in Spanish, helping bridge the linguistic and cultural barriers many Latinos faced when exploring Islam.
In 2016, IslamInSpanish opened the Centro Islámico, the first Islamic center in the U.S. specifically designed to serve Latino Muslims. The center offered Friday sermons in Spanish and a space for cultural and spiritual connection. With the opening of its new, expanded facility in 2024, the organization continues to meet the needs of a growing community.
The new Centro Islámico in Alief, a suburb within southwest Houston, Texas, officially opened its doors on November 16, 2024, with a grand ceremony attended by community members and local leaders. The facility is designed not only as a mosque but as a cultural hub, offering programs such as Spanish-language Islamic education, interfaith dialogue, and social services tailored to Latino Muslims.
“This center is a testament to the power of community and faith,” Fletcher said during the opening. “It’s not just a place to pray—it’s a place to belong.”
Latinos are one of the fastest-growing demographics within the American Muslim population. A 2011 report by the Pew Research Center estimated that approximately 6% of American Muslim adults are of Hispanic origin, and this number has likely increased since then. Many Latino Muslims point to the historical connection between Islamic Spain and Latin America as a cultural bridge to their faith.
IslamInSpanish has played a pivotal role in fostering this connection. By providing resources and spaces that reflect both Islamic principles and Latino heritage, the organization has helped thousands of individuals explore and embrace Islam.
The Centro Islámico’s design reflects a deep respect for its members’ cultural heritage. Its architecture draws inspiration from Andalusian design, evoking the rich history of Islamic Spain, while its programs include classes on the influence of Islam on Latin American culture. This focus on cultural authenticity helps Latino Muslims navigate and balance their faith with their Latino identities.
For Maria Perez, a recent convert to Islam, the center has been transformative. “When I walk in here, I see my culture and my faith coming together,” she said.
“It’s a reminder that Islam has always been a part of who we are.”
In 2019, Vice News released a documentary titled Why Latinos Are Converting to Islam, featuring the IslamInSpanish Centro Islámico and its founder, Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher. The documentary highlighted the growing number of Latino Muslims in the U.S. and the unique role of the Centro Islámicoin supporting this community. Personal stories of converts and the center’s culturally tailored approach resonated with viewers, garnering over a million views on YouTube.
The viral success of the documentary significantly boosted IslamInSpanish’s visibility, sparking national conversations about the diversity within American Islam and the importance of creating inclusive religious spaces. This momentum has continued to inspire new initiatives, culminating in the expansion marked by the grand opening of the new Centro Islámico.
Despite its successes, the Centro Islámico faces challenges common to minority communities. Misconceptions about Islam persist in parts of the broader Latino community, and funding remains an ongoing concern as the center seeks to expand its outreach.
However, these challenges are met with optimism. IslamInSpanish continues to grow its digital footprint, producing podcasts, videos, and literature in Spanish to reach audiences across the Americas. The organization’s leaders view these efforts as opportunities to foster understanding and bridge divides.
The success of the Centro Islámico offers a blueprint for other underrepresented groups within the Muslim community. By addressing the unique needs of a specific demographic, IslamInSpanish has created a model for inclusivity and representation.
“This is about more than just religion,” Fletcher said. “It’s about empowering people to embrace who they are and where they come from.”
As the Latino Muslim population grows, so too does the potential for greater representation and impact within the broader Muslim community. The IslamInSpanish Centro Islámico stands as a testament to what can be achieved when faith and culture are celebrated together. With its new facility and ambitious plans for the future, the Islamic center is poised to continue its mission of empowerment and education for years to come.
