What is Casa Umar?

Casa Umar is a pioneering project in Chiapas, Mexico with the vision to make the beauty of Islam accessible to all Mexicans, particularly those of indigenous descent, in a way that nurtures their religious growth while honouring and enhancing their cultural heritage.

Founded in 2018, Casa Umar serves as a hub for the indigenous Mayan community, offering a masjid, multilingual educations in Spanish and Tsotsil, and sustainable community development initiatives such as a Montessori school, a halal butcher shop and a permaculture garden. Amid a population long marginalised by the effects of colonisation, our mission is to cultivate a thriving Indigenous Muslim community that is spiritually connected with the global Ummah, economically empowered and proud of its heritage. We aim to create last change by promoting spiritual, social, and economic prosperity where Islam enriches and enhances local culture.

In the long term we hope to replicate the model across Latin America and invite partners to join us in the transformative journey - through support volunteering or advocacy - as we work to build a thriving inclusive future for Chiapas and beyond.

You can find out more about Casa Umar and find opportunities to get involved at casaumar.org

What’s unique about Chiapas?

At the southern edge of Mexico near the borders of Guatemala lies the state of Chiapas. Here, Muslims from around the Americas have migrated and mixed with the indigenous Tzotzil to form the only living third-generation community of Muslims in Central America.

What is the status of the Montessori school?

With the start of the academic year in August 2024, Casa Umar opened its doors to 19 students from the ages of 5 - 12 years. Having acquired K-8 Montessori status, we are now providing full scholarships to 19 students with the aim of expanding to 25 by the end of the year. This means that children from the lowest of income households in Mexico, now have the means of a full-time accredited education within a safe Islamic environment, in a region where literacy rates a far far below average.

Where will your funds go?

Our immediate aims are to support the growth of the school, buy purchasing a school bus and hiring an environmental/science teacher to continue our permaculture initiative of reintegrating families back to their land. Below is an outline how your donations will help.

• Purchase a school bus for the Montessori school, to help with the subsidized costs of transportation for the growing number of registered students - estimated 25 by end of the year.
• Hire a full-time environmental/science teacher for the year, as part of our permaculture initiative to promote sustainable agriculture and reintegrate the community to their land.
• Provide urgent Community Aid to needy muslims in the community to assist with healthcare costs and financial aid under the advice of our resident Imam and scholar.
• Cover additional management expenses created with the launch of the full-time school this August.

How will your donations be allocated?

Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of many. By supporting us, you become part of a vibrant and sustainable community dedicated to promoting education, understanding and dialogue.

All Zakat donations will go towards student sponsorship, providing community aid, and supporting new muslims. All other donations will be considered sadaqa and will go towards other parts of the project.

Thank You for your Support!

We hope you will support the community of Chiapas, especially during the Holiday Season. We will continue to share updates about the progress of Casa Umar and share opportunities for you to engage directly with the project and the people of Chiapas.