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The Fiji Muslim League: A Century of Vision, Unity, and Service
7-26-2026
The Fiji Islands, located in the South Pacific near Australia and New Zealand, comprise approximately 300 islands, of which about 100 are inhabited.
Following the cession of Fiji to the British Crown in 1874, the colonial administration sought labourers to develop and cultivate the land. India, then under British rule, became one of the primary sources of indentured labour. Thousands of Indians were recruited under the indenture system—a system that, in reality, subjected many to harsh and exploitative conditions.
Many of these labourers came from Uttar Pradesh, Calcutta, Madras, Hyderabad, and other coastal regions of India. While the majority were Hindus, a smaller number were Muslims, both men and women. After completing their indenture contracts, they were given the choice to return to India or remain in Fiji. Most chose to make Fiji their permanent home.
In those early years, access to education—both religious and secular—was extremely limited for the Muslim community. Despite these challenges, the community preserved its Islamic faith and traditions through religious gatherings and recitations, ensuring that Islam continued to flourish in Fiji.
In the early 1900s, a number of enterprising merchants from India recognized the commercial opportunities in Fiji and migrated there. Among them were both Hindu and Muslim traders. Concerned members of the Muslim community soon realized the need for an organized body to promote Islamic education, foster unity, and oversee matters relating to Muslim marriages, burials, and community welfare. They came together in Suva, Fiji's capital, and established the Fiji Muslim League (FML), which was officially registered on 31 October 1926.
The founders of the Fiji Muslim League were not scholars or university graduates; they were ordinary individuals with extraordinary vision, dedication, and foresight. Through their commitment and sacrifice, they acquired prime properties for mosques across Fiji's major towns and communities. Over time, schools were established alongside these mosques, laying the foundation for generations of educational excellence.
Today, by the grace of Allah, the Fiji Muslim League oversees hundreds of mosques and musallas, 25 primary schools, and 15 secondary schools. Teachers and Islamic scholars from around the world have contributed to these institutions, whose graduates now serve as professionals, doctors, lawyers, educators, and community leaders both in Fiji and internationally.
Several volunteers and officials of the Fiji Muslim League later migrated to Canada. Inspired by the same spirit of service and community development, they established the B.C. Muslim Association in British Columbia, whose constitution and branch structure were modelled after that of the Fiji Muslim League.
As the Fiji Muslim League celebrates its Centennial in 2026, we proudly honour the remarkable vision of its founders and the enduring legacy they have left for future generations.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Fiji Muslims residing in Canada invite the community to join us in celebrating 100 years of faith, unity, education, and service.
Fiji Muslim League Centennial Celebration
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Riverside Banquet Hall
13030 76 Avenue
Surrey, British Columbia
Admission: $50 per person
Join us as we celebrate a century of achievement, remember the sacrifices of our pioneers, and look forward to an even brighter future for generations to come.
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