About Us

Our Ancestors began their arrival in Trinidad in the year 1845. They came with little material possessions but with faith and a daunting spirit to succeed. From areas of the sub-continent of India; be it Punjab, United Provinces, Faisabad, Calcutta, Madras, Benares, or Uttar Pradesh to Port of Spain by steamer they came to cultivate the sugar cane fields. They brought their faith, Islam, those who professed it.

The first wave of labourers gave way to greater numbers in the 1870's. They toiled in the fields and practised their respective faiths. In the workplace and in their homes until, for the Muslims, Masajid were built. The early ones recorded are Calcutta and Victoria Village. They then grew in numbers over the years. Today, they dot the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago with some eighty (80) odd such masajid. Haji Ruknuddeen Sahib, who later became Qazi and then Shaikul Islam, was the first Imam at Victoria Village, while the late Dookie Meah is reported to have been the first Imam at Calcutta No. 1 Masjid. Calcutta Masjid, the first, was established in 1863. The land on which the masjid exists today was given to the late Dookie Meah who built this masjid for the muslims and the first "panchayat" system started at that compound soon after.

In 1868, the then Governor, in a hand-written document, exempted the first masjid in Calcutta from the payment of rates and taxes. To this day, no taxes are paid. Then there was the masjid at Thomas Street in Chaguanas which later played a key role in the history and direction of the Muslim community. The late Sirajuddin Meah played a major role for the ASJA as Imam of that masjid. Iere Village and Realise Road Masajid were two others established late in the 19th Century. They are all active today.

As we close this chapter on seventy years in the life of our organisation, we must remember our Jamaats and our Imams who have laboured long and hard both in the formative stage and, in more recent times, to hold Jamaats and the community together.

These are the real stalwarts and when the question is asked, "How has the ASJA served"? The laurels must go to those hard working Imams and members of our Jamaats, firstly for their commitment to the teachings and practices of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaat, and secondly, for keeping the membership alert and informed through active participation.

Our missionaries must also be commended for their role in educating the community and providing guidance to our Regions and Jamaats.

May Allah bless and reward those who have guided the destiny of the Association and may He assist us in the continued development of Islam in these parts.