Assalamu alaikum and hello to all who find their way here.
Salaam Portugal was born from a simple intention: to create a calm, trustworthy space where people in Portugal,and beyond, can learn about Islam without confusion, fear, or noise. As a Portuguese revert, I have walked a path that brought me from curiosity to conviction, from questions to clarity. Along the way, I realised how deeply misunderstood Islam often is in our country, not out of malice, but out of distance, unfamiliarity, and the absence of reliable information.
I wanted to build a place that bridges that distance and opens a door for genuine understanding.
A space not only for non-Muslims seeking clarity, but also an insightful and grounding place for Muslims, whether reverts or lifelong believers, living in Portugal or abroad.
A Personal Journey and an Academic Awakening
Part of what shapes this blog also comes from my academic background. During my BA in International Relations, I encountered ideas that fundamentally reshaped how I view history, identity, and the world around us.
Learning about Eurocentrism, the way certain (Western/European) cultures and perspectives are treated as the ‘default’ while others are minimised or excluded, made me question how much of what we call ‘history’ is actually a selection of stories chosen by specific institutions and repeated over generations.
I often thought:
If more people understood how narratives are constructed, we might live in a less divided society.
Portugal, like many countries today (including the UK) is experiencing growing polarisation. These divisions do not appear out of nowhere; they are shaped by political rhetoric, selective storytelling, and the way information is presented to the public. When we only hear one version of events, our understanding narrows and mistrust grows.
My studies also introduced me to Orientalism, the historical pattern of portraying the ‘East’ (especially the Muslim world) as exotic, irrational, inferior, or threatening. This intellectual tradition helped create an ‘us versus them‘ mentality long before modern media existed. Many of those assumptions still influence how Muslims and Islam are discussed today, often subtly, sometimes openly.
Understanding this helped me see why conversations about Islam in Europe can feel tense, distorted, or incomplete. It also inspired me to create a space where narratives could be expanded, where nuance could return, and where people could learn from each other rather than fear one another.
Salaam Portugal is, in many ways, a response to what I learned:
a small contribution toward a more informed, empathetic, and connected civil society.
A Place for Clarity, Not Debate
Salaam Portugal is not a platform for arguments or ideological clashes.
It is a space for:
- explanation rather than confrontation
- reflection rather than reaction
- education rather than speculation
I want non-Muslims to feel comfortable entering this space.
And I want Muslims, reverts, immigrants, locals, young and old to feel represented, understood, and supported.
What You Will Find Here
Over time, this blog will explore:
- the foundations of Islamic belief
- the history of Islam in Portugal
- how Muslims live, work, and contribute to Portuguese society
- cultural and social issues
- reflections on faith, identity, and belonging
- my personal journey as a Portuguese Muslim
- thoughtful critique of Portuguese media and journalism, especially where narratives create moral panic, reinforce stereotypes, or spread misinformation about Islam and Muslim communities
Why “Salaam Portugal”?
Because salaam means peace — the peace we seek, the peace we create, and the peace Islam teaches.
And because I believe Portugal is strengthened, not threatened, by understanding, diversity, and honest conversation.
To bring these worlds together, Portuguese and Muslim, academic and personal, reflective and informative is the purpose of this platform.
A Warm Invitation
Whether you are Muslim or not, whether you arrived here out of curiosity or by accident, you are welcome here.
May this corner of the internet offer you something meaningful: clarity, reflection, or a new perspective on our shared world.
Obrigada por estar aqui.
May peace be upon you.
Disclaimer
I am not an Islamic scholar, nor am I formally qualified in Islamic studies.
I am also not yet a fully qualified political analyst or academic expert, I am a student, a learner, a Portuguese Muslim sharing my personal reflections, experiences, and research interests.
Everything written here is offered with sincerity and care, but it should not be taken as professional religious advice or specialised academic authority.
This blog is simply a space for learning, conversation, and understanding.
My intention is not to provoke or attack any institution, but to encourage more responsible storytelling and more open, sincere dialogue.
Feedback and Contact
If you notice any mistakes in my writing, believe I have misunderstood something, or have suggestions for topics you think I should explore, please feel free to reach out.
I am always learning, and I welcome thoughtful feedback, corrections, and recommendations.
📧 Contact: salaamportugal@gmail.com
I appreciate every message, and I will do my best to respond with sincerity and openness.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just — that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
Ó vós que credes, sede firmes pela causa de Allah, como testemunhas da justiça, e que o ódio de um povo não vos leve a agir injustamente. Sede justos — isto está mais próximo da piedade. E temei Allah; por certo, Allah está bem informado de tudo o que fazeis.
