The centenary of the Fiji Muslim League (FML) in August 2026 was far more than a celebration of an organisation’s longevity. It became a powerful affirmation of a century of Muslim faith, education, service and nation-building in Fiji — while also strengthening links between Muslim communities across the Pacific.
Established in 1926, the FML developed into Fiji’s national representative organisation for Muslims, with an extensive network of schools, colleges, mosques, madrassahs, welfare services and other community institutions.
Its centenary theme, “100 Years of Faith, Education, Service & Unity,” appropriately reflected its historical contribution and aspirations for the future.
The official centenary celebrations, held from 22–30 August 2026, brought together community leaders, scholars, politicians, educators, youth and guests from Fiji and overseas.
A particularly significant dimension was the participation of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) and the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP).
Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC and Vice-President of RISEAP, led the Australian participation, accompanied by AFIC National Secretary Br Mahabub Ali, former Grand Mufti of Australia, Imam Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari, and Mrs Manal Jneid, President, Muslim Women Welfare and Advocacy WA.
The FML presented commemorative plaques to both AFIC and RISEAP, recognising their continuing cooperation with the League.
Dr Jneid highlighted the strong connections between Muslim communities in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and the wider Pacific, particularly in education, youth development, leadership and community service.
AFIC and RISEAP’s involvement was also practical. The Southern Division RISEAP Conference, held at the Sabeto Islamic Education and Vocational Training Centre from 23–28 August, was funded by RISEAP under Dr Jneid’s leadership and hosted by FML in partnership with AFIC and the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ).
Participants addressed leadership development, women’s empowerment, youth identity, spiritual wellbeing, drugs and the law, and challenges faced by converts to Islam.
Mrs Manal Jneid delivered a keynote addressing wellbeing, women in Islam and the identity challenges facing young people.
The conference therefore provided a valuable opportunity not merely for discussion, but for regional relationship-building, knowledge-sharing and cooperation.
One of the most tangible centenary achievements was the opening of the Islamic Education and Vocational Training Centre at Sabeto. The previous centre was destroyed by fire. Its replacement, costing FJ$2.2 million, combines Islamic education with vocational training and is intended to provide young people with both spiritual grounding and practical skills.
Donations from Fiji’s diaspora, including Australia, NZ and Canada, helped make the rebuilding possible.
A National Milad-un-Nabi celebration at Ba similarly combined honouring Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with recognition of the FML’s century of service.
Dr Jneid spoke of the Prophet’s ﷺ values of compassion, mercy, respect, service and unity.
Fijian leaders also recognised the contribution of Muslims to the country’s development.
The Minister for Land and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, highlighted Muslim contributions in education, agriculture, business, social welfare and community development, while calling for continued investment in education and youth empowerment.
A FANCA Nations World Cup, involving teams from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, brought hundreds of players together in Nadi as part of the celebrations. Fiji defeated New Zealand 1-0 to claim the premiership.
The centenary thus offered a fitting bridge between the past and the future.
From the descendants of the girmityas (indentured labourers) who helped build Fiji’s agricultural economy to today’s educators, professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, Fiji’s Muslims have demonstrated that preserving faith and identity can go hand in hand with constructive participation in national life.
Perhaps the most valuable legacy of the 2026 celebrations is the strengthening of relationships across Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and the wider Pacific.
The cooperation between FML, AFIC, RISEAP and FIANZ provides a foundation for the next century — one in which faith, education, youth development and service can continue to contribute to a healthy Islamically-inspired Muslim community, and a united and prosperous Fiji.
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