This story has been updated to reflect a change in location of the event on Jan. 21, which will now be held at Doubletree by Hilton in Somerset.
Did you know that Muslims pioneered surgery and algebra and were the first people to brew and export coffee? That nearly a third of enslaved Africans brought to the United States were Muslim? That Muslims fought in every major U.S. war since the days of the American Revolution? Or that Muslims serve in every level of elected office in New Jersey — including two women who were sworn in as mayors last week?
The history, traditions and contributions of this diverse and growing faith group are the focus of New Jersey’s first Official Muslim Heritage Month, with special events and programs happening across the state throughout January. Designated by Gov. Phil Murphy, with unanimous support from the state Legislature, the celebration is intended to raise awareness and understanding about Muslim Americans.
“The inauguration of Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey is more than just a series of celebrations; it’s a stride toward inclusivity and cultural understanding. It sets a precedent for other states to follow, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating all cultural identities,” the Muslim Heritage Month Coalition said in an online statement.
New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslim residents in the U.S., at 3.5%, or about 32,000 people, according to the 2020 US Religion Census and the Association of Religion Data Archives. It’s a richly diverse community including people with ancestry in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Political achievements
Muslim Heritage Month coincided with the swearing-in of two Muslim Americans, both women, as township mayors last week.
Fozia Janjua is the first Muslim and the first female Democrat to serve as mayor of Mount Laurel. In one of her first acts, at the township’s reorganization meeting, she read the state proclamation acknowledging Muslim Heritage Month.
“Me being in this role, it’s not just as a figurehead,” said Janjua, a first-grade teacher. “It’s about breaking down barriers and educating people about Muslims in America.”
Eman El-Badawi, a Rutgers graduate and a farmer, was elected to the Cranbury Township Committee two years ago and selected mayor by her colleagues. “I did not set out on this path to necessarily be the first at anything,” she said. “I really truly wanted to serve my community.”
They are among a handful of Muslim women who have served as mayors in the United States, with New Jersey leading the way. Sadaf Jaffer was the first in the nation when she became mayor of Montgomery and was one of two Muslim women to serve in in the New Jersey State Legislature.
Across the state, many Muslims also serve on school boards, county freeholder boards, judicial seats and municipal committees.
Art, food, book talks and more
During Muslim Heritage Month, community groups are hosting music and dance performances. Libraries are sponsoring book talks and art displays. Mosques and Islamic centers are opening their doors to neighbors for communal meals and interfaith gatherings. Schools and universities are holding lectures and weaving lessons about Islamic history into their classrooms.
The Muslim Heritage Month Coalition of NJ encourages public participation in these events, which are intended to celebrate diversity, break down stereotypes and build respect and understanding.
Here are some of the events happening this month:
Teaneck: Noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 13. Muslim Heritage Month Feast at the Richard Rodda Community Center, 250 Colonial Ct. Featuring international foods, displays and performances.
Paramus: The Fusion Muslim Community Center of New Jersey, 650 Pascack Rd., hosts several events this month. Jan 14 – Muslim PlayDate; Jan 15 – Movie Day; Jan 21 – North Regional Muslim Heritage Month Event; Jan 27 – Multi-Cultural Celebration Potluck; Jan 28 – Muslim Heritage Month Youth Contest & Living Wax Museum
Somerset: 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 21. North/Central Jersey Muslim Heritage Month Festival at Doubletree by Hilton, 200 Atrium Drive, Somerset. Featuring global food tasting, bazaar, cultural performances and art exhibits.
Teaneck: 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 27. The Great African American Muslim Contributions in America at Darul Islah, 320 Fabry Terrace.
Multiple locations: Libraries across the state are hosting book readings, lectures about Islamic inventions, author talks and henna workshops. Refer to your local library for more information.
This is a partial listing of events. For more information, visit mhmcoalition.org or on Instagram and Facebook.