Estonian Muftiate
History & Overview
Islam has been part of Estonian life for well over a century. The first Muslims arrived as Volga-Ural Tatar traders in the late nineteenth century; their descendants remain at the heart of the community today, joined by a diverse group of newcomers from across the world.
About the Community
Who we are
The Estonian Muftiate (Eesti Muftiate) is the representative body of Muslims in Estonia. It brings together the congregations of Tallinn, Tartu, Maardu, and Narva, providing religious leadership and supporting community life across the country.
The community today is genuinely diverse. Long-established Tatar families share pews with immigrants from the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Estonian converts. Four languages — Estonian, Russian, Arabic, and English — are heard at our gatherings, and the Friday khutbah is given in more than one of them each week.
What we do
The Muftiate organises Friday prayers and Islamic education, supports newly arrived Muslims settling in Estonia, and represents the community in dealings with the state and civil society. Our aim is a Muslim community that is well-rooted, active, and at home in Estonia.
A Brief History
Late 19th century
First Muslim settlers
Volga-Ural Tatars — merchants and craftsmen — begin settling in the Baltic provinces of the Russian Empire, including present-day Estonia. Small communities take shape in Tallinn (then Reval) and other towns, keeping their faith alive through family gatherings and tradition.
1918–1940
The first Republic of Estonia
Estonian independence in 1918 gives the Tatar community room to organise. The Estonian Islamic Congregation (Eesti Islamikogudus) is formally registered in 1928, making it one of the earliest legally recognised Muslim organisations in the Baltic states. Communal prayers are held in rented premises.
1940–1991
Soviet occupation
The Soviet annexation of 1940 severely restricts religious life. Public worship is curtailed, but Tatar families keep their faith privately, passing prayers, traditions, and cultural memory from one generation to the next.
1991
Independence restored
With independence restored in 1991, religious freedom returns fully. The Eesti Islamikogudus is re-registered and Friday prayers resume. Through the 1990s, students and professionals from Arab countries begin arriving, broadening the community considerably.
2000s–2010s
Growth and the founding of the Muftiate
Immigration from the Middle East, the Balkans, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa continues through these decades. The Estonian Muftiate is established as the central representative body for all Muslim congregations in Estonia. Prayer halls open or expand in Tallinn, Tartu, Maardu, and Narva.
Today
A community for all of Estonia
The Muftiate serves a growing and diverse congregation. Weekly Friday prayers, Islamic education, community events, and inter-faith dialogue are the steady work of the community. The aim remains a Muslim presence that is rooted, open, and active across Estonia.
Community & Congregations
Where we gather
Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) are held every week in Tallinn, Tartu, Maardu, and Narva. The Tallinn congregation is the largest and regularly hosts events in addition to the weekly khutbah. Prayer times for each city are published on this website and updated whenever the Imam announces a change.
Our languages
Sermons and community communications are given in Estonian, Russian, Arabic, and English, reflecting the make-up of the congregation. This website is available in all four languages.