Tucked within a family residence in Titikaveka on the southeastern coast of Rarotonga, the first mosque in the Cook Islands, Masjid Fatimah Rarotonga, has been quietly serving the local Muslim community since 2018. This modest yet significant space is a sanctuary for prayer and reflection, warmly welcoming both residents and Muslim tourists seeking a place to worship.
Under the Cook Islands Constitution, individuals have the freedom to practice their religion openly. However, to officially establish a church, a Religious Authority Council (RAC) approval is required. Masjid Fatimah, though unregistered, has become a cherished hub for the Muslim faithful, offering a unique presence in the predominantly Christian nation.
In an interview with Cook Islands News, Mohammed Azam, a leader within the Rarotonga Muslim community, shared insights into the role of the mosque. The mosque is simply a place for fellowship and worship,” he explained. “We have Muslims from diverse backgrounds—Indonesians, Filipinos, Fijians, Indians, and even native Cook Islanders—who come together here.”
READ MORE: Union Minister Jitendra Singh Predicts Kashmiri Muslims Will One Day Regret the Exodus of Pandits
Azam, married to Etita Azam, a Cook Islander by heritage, emphasized that their purpose in Rarotonga is solely spiritual. We gather here for prayer five times a day. There’s nothing more than that,” he said. The mosque is open for anyone to join us in prayer, whether on Fridays or any other day.
Beyond serving the local Muslim community, Masjid Fatimah Rarotonga has also become a prayer destination for visiting Muslim tourists. “We see a lot of tourists who stop by to pray,” Azam noted. He expressed pride in offering a place of peace and contemplation for those far from home.
Addressing common misconceptions surrounding Islam, Azam spoke candidly about the values his community upholds. “Unfortunately, Islam has been misrepresented globally,” he said. “But Islam, at its core, stands for peace. That’s what we practice here.”
Islamic dietary customs, another distinct aspect of the faith, have sparked curiosity among some local residents, Azam added. A nearby shop owner recently inquired about the dietary needs of Muslim visitors, particularly in regard to halal food preparation, given the steady flow of Muslim tourists to the area.
Although the mosque is unregistered, it is easily identifiable on Google Maps, underscoring its open-door policy. “We haven’t registered members formally,” Azam explained. “People are free to come and pray without any obligations.”
The Muslim community in Rarotonga has experienced acceptance and kindness, especially in the wake of the Christchurch tragedy in 2019. After the attack, Muslim residents in Rarotonga expressed gratitude for the sense of safety and freedom they enjoy on the island. Shamneez Nisha, a Rarotonga resident with family ties to Christchurch, reflected on the incident. “It was heartbreaking, but we are thankful for the non-discriminatory, supportive environment we have here,” she said.
Azam’s wife, Etita, feels that her identity as both a Cook Islander and a Muslim harmonizes beautifully with her cultural roots. “Being Muslim in Rarotonga is a blessing,” she expressed. When we returned to my homeland, we decided to establish this mosque and our family’s home here, creating a space that embodies both faith and peace.
In Masjid Fatimah Rarotonga, the Cook Islands have a testament to religious freedom and coexistence, a gentle reminder of how diverse faiths can flourish together in harmony.