Ziauddin Yahya Iqbal Sandoval, known as Zia, is a 14-year-old Muslim boy in Colombia who observes Ramadan with dedication. Despite Colombia being predominantly Catholic, Zia is part of the small Muslim community of 85,000 to 100,000 people in the country. Muslims in cities like Bogota and Medellin prepare for Ramadan with decorations and prayers, reflecting the diversity within the community. Recent years have seen an increase in Islamic cultural centers and mosques in Colombia, with Medellin now having five mosques. The Muslim population in Latin America has grown over the years due to waves of migration, including significant numbers from Lebanon during the civil war in the 1970s. Sheikh Ahmad Qurtubi in Bogota notes the presence of worshippers from various nationalities in his congregation, with an increasing number of converts to Islam. Despite the challenges of building a cohesive community with diverse backgrounds, the Muslim community in Colombia celebrates Ramadan with a variety of traditions and events.
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