The History of the Muslim Community in Hanoi

Origins in the 19th Century

In the 19th century, Indian merchants frequently traveled to Vietnam to trade textiles, spices, and currencies. Many of these merchants were Muslims who needed a place for religious practice. Together, they contributed funds to build a mosque in the villages of Phu Tu and Vinh Tru, Hau Tuc commune, Tho Xuong district.

Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1890. The mosque became a spiritual home for Muslim merchants. It was known among local Hanoians as the “Chùa Tây Đen” (roughly translated as “Black Foreigners’ Temple”), a name reflecting the South Asian Muslim traders who worshipped there. Today, this historic site stands at 12 Hang Luoc Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

The 20th Century: Decline and Rediscovery

By the 1950s, due to political and economic changes, most Indian Muslims had returned to their homeland, and the mosque was closed indefinitely.

In the 1990s, during Vietnam’s period of economic reform and opening up, Muslim diplomats and expatriates from Pakistan, Palestine, Iran, Indonesia, and Malaysia resided in Hanoi. With no functioning mosque, Friday prayers were often hosted at the Indonesian Embassy.

It was during this time that Mr. Khalid, an employee of Malaysia Airlines in Hanoi, accidentally discovered the old mosque building. After confirming its identity with local authorities, he sought help from the Iranian Embassy to restore it. Despite not being a diplomat himself, Khalid’s efforts quietly revived the mosque, marking the rebirth of organized Muslim worship in modern Hanoi.

When choosing a name for the mosque, some proposed “Masjid Khalid” in recognition of his role. However, out of humility, he declined and instead suggested “Al-Noor”—meaning “The Light,” a name symbolizing guidance and renewal.

From 2000 to the Present

In the early 2000s, Hanoi’s Muslim population was primarily composed of diplomats and expatriates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, and other countries, accounting for more than 90% of the community. At that time, the Imams of the mosque were Afghan teachers of Arabic at the nearby Islamic Al-Fath Primary School. They later departed due to the consequences of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Since 2011, the role of Imam has been carried out by Cham Muslims from Southern Vietnam. The Muslim community in Hanoi has since grown steadily, comprising both foreigners and local Vietnamese. Among the Vietnamese Muslims are converts through marriage as well as individuals who have independently embraced Islam.

The Muslim Community Today

Although small in number, the Muslim community in Hanoi continues to live peacefully within the modern rhythm of the capital city. They remain devoted to their faith while actively integrating into society, contributing to the city’s diversity.

Their quiet yet enduring presence serves as a reminder that Hanoi—with its rich history and spirit of tolerance—is a city where different religions, ethnicities, and cultures can coexist and thrive in harmony.