Mahomed Iqbal

Mahomed Iqbal is the current President of the Comunidade Islâmica de Lisboa (CIL), a position he has held since July 2020. He succeeded Abdool Vakil, having previously served as his right-hand man and vice-president for several years. Iqbal's leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering unity within the Islamic community in Lisbon, particularly among diverse groups from regions such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.146

Background and Experience

• Professional Background: In addition to his role at CIL, Mahomed Iqbal has experience in investment banking, having worked at Banco de Fomento Internacional.25
• Community Engagement: He has been vocal about the need for better facilities for worship, advocating for the construction of a new mosque in Mouraria to accommodate the growing Muslim population and reduce fragmentation among worshippers.13

Key Initiatives

• Support for Mosque Construction: Iqbal has publicly supported the development of a new mosque in Mouraria, emphasizing its importance for community cohesion and addressing current capacity issues at existing places of worship.1
• Integration Efforts: He has also highlighted initiatives aimed at helping new immigrants learn Portuguese to better integrate into Portuguese society, reflecting his commitment to community integration and harmony.1

Personal Insights

Iqbal emphasizes that the Islamic community in Portugal is fully compliant with Portuguese law and actively contributes to societal peace. He has expressed concerns about potential radicalism and has affirmed that the community prioritizes security and cooperation with local authorities.14

Overall, Mahomed Iqbal plays a significant role in representing and leading the Islamic community in Lisbon, focusing on unity, integration, and adherence to local laws while addressing the needs of a diverse population.