...International Muslims Organisation...

Surinam...

The I.M.O. branch in Surinam was established in 1985 by the founding President of the IMO, Hazrat Allama Pir Maulana Abdul Wahab Siddiqi (r.a.). Following its inauguration, the IMO has been instrumental in establishing a large number of mosques and Islamic centres in conjunction with the Surinami Muslim Association (SMA).  The mosques and Islamic centres span the breadth of Surinam – from the main city of Paramaribo to remote areas such as Laarwijk, Nickerie and Blauwgrond.

The IMO has also built strong ties with the renowned Khilafat e Anjuman mosque in Paramaribo.  The Surinami Muslims hold this mosque in great esteem.  As a result, this affiliation has given IMO in Surinam the opportunity to interface with the local community more effectively. 

The I.M.O. of Surinam organises regular conferences directed at raising Islamic awareness.  Its activities also include processions and functions celebrating Muslim festivals. The IMO in Surinam is dedicated to the development of the local youth since they are ultimately the catalysts of future transformations.  Through its extensive global links, the IMO has facilitated the admission of many Surinamese children into European educational institutions.  Here they have been the recipients of a profound developmental process encompassing Islamic and modern sciences contemporaneously.  In order to promote a positive Islamic identity, the Surinami IMO regularly broadcasts Islamic programmes on national and local radio.  This is also directed towards making Islamic ideas and values more accessible to the community at large. 

Surinam has within it a multitude of ethnicities, cultures and faiths.  The extensive diversity of Surinam is reflected in its Muslim populous which consists of numerous ethnicities.  The central ideology of the IMO which envisages the establishment of a Muslim identity beyond cultural or ethnic restrictions therefore strikes a chord with the local community.

When Hazrat Saheb (r.a.) first visited Surinam, its Muslim community was suffering from a crisis of identity.  A deficient understanding of the creed of Islam, coupled with the incitement of certain extremist individuals had pushed the community to imminent sectarian violence against various sects.  The timely intervention by Hazrat Saheb (r.a.) in educating Muslims as to their faith and the true Islamic manner in which to deal with the sectarian differences averted a national disaster. 

The presence of the IMO in Surinam has instilled the previously directionless Muslim community with a sense of collective aspiration.  Whereas previously, Islam was practised merely as a hollow ritualistic expression of their cultural background, the IMO has successfully instituted a conscious connection of Muslims with their creed.  This newfound sense of identity has also put Surinami Muslims on the political map in that it has allowed them to engage in meaningful dialogue with the government.  The change of attitude which was pioneered by Hazrat Sahib (r.a) reflected in the manner in which the community recognised its needs and expressed them in discussions with the government.  As a result, instead of simply being passive subjects, they were able to now play a constructive role in shaping the collective destiny of Surinam. 

The way forward ...

The incredible mix of ethnicities in Surinam has allowed the local community to free themselves of their cumbersome cultural baggage.  The migratory population from Africa, South Asia and China have engaged positively with each other and the indigenous Amerindians.  This has paved the way for the liberated mindset which exists among Surinamis today.  The IMO can help Surinamis capitalise on their open mindedness to build a meaningful Muslim Identity which is free from cultural restrictions.  It can also foster further bridge building between different sections of the community to establish a unified and tolerant Surinam.      

Although a large contingent have migrated out of Surinam in recent years, the intellectual powerbase has remained to facilitate the advancement of Surinam.  Nevertheless, Surinam is yet to command recognition as a nation and it is hoped that the IMO can assist it to this end.  IMO’s unique position in the local community stands it in good stead to promote efficacious dialogue between the government and the people.