January to be Muslim Heritage Month in NJ

By: Hannan Adely
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... Governor Phil Murphy signed a proclamation Saturday [04/29/2023] designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in a measure that advocates say will promote appreciation and awareness about Muslim traditions and contributions.
..... Community and faith leaders, who have rallied for the designation for several years, hailed the signing as a historic moment.
..... "As a state that has the highest percentage of Muslims in the nation, we are so overioved to have a month that celebrates and recognizes our community in a positive light and hope that this recognition further pushes the engagement of the muslin community in society" said Zainab Syed, an organizer with American Muslims for Democracy, one of the groups that advocated for the measure.
..... Murphy signed the proclamation at Drumthwacket, the governor's official residence in Princeton, during a celebration for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, the muslin holy month of fasting.
..... "I am proud to designate January of each year as Muslin Heritage Month, as it will shine a light on the rich histories, cultures and shared principles of Muslim Americans," Murphy said. "New Jersey takes great pride in its diversity, and we will continue to recognize and celebrate the positive impact Muslims have made, and continue to make, to the advancement of the state."
..... The governor's Eid gathering drew Muslim community leaders, clergy and elected officials from across the state. This year, [2023] they were jubilant over the news of Muslim Heritage Month.
..... "For too long, we've seen damaging and irresponsible depictions of Muslims," said Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "These narratives have tangible consequences, but now we will be seeing the counter and. hopefully soon, prevailing narrative: one that highlights, celebrates and acknowledges the American Muslim community in New Jersey."
..... A joint resolution if favor of Muslim Heritage Month got unanimous support from lawmakers before it was sent to the governor. the state Assembly passed the resolution in March, [2023] and the Senate did the same in February. [2023] The resolution asks Murphy to issue a proclamation each year calling upon local government agencies and interested organizations to observe the month with ceremonies, activities and educational programs.
..... A coalition of 70 organizations, schools and mosques supported the state resolution, including the Indian American Muslim Council, the Islamic Circle of North America's Council for Social Justice and the Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey.
..... Supporters hope the measure will promote greater understanding of Muslim heritage, recognize Muslim Americans; contributions and combat Homophobia. In New Jersey, Muslims make up 3% of the population, or about 300,000 people. they come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and are involved in politics, education, law enforcement, business, culture and other aspects of civic life.
..... New Jersey is a nationwide leader in elected representation among Muslims, with over 40 people serving in political office. Last year, [2022] Assemblywomen Sadaf Jafer and Shama Haider became the first tow Muslims to serve in the New Jersey Legislature.
..... Muslims have lived in the United States since before the country's founding, arriving as enslaved Africans, who scholars estimate were about 30% Muslim. globally, around a quarter of the world's population is Muslim, making up the second-larges religion.
..... Throughout history, Muslims have had notable achievements and inventions that greatly affected fields indulgencing mathematics, astronomy, medicine and the arts.
..... Community advocate Jessica Berrocal, who has long advocated for the adoption of Muslim Heritage Month, hoped it would promote awareness, encourage diversity and help break down bigotry that Muslims, including children, sometimes face.
..... "This is a significant step towards promoting tolerance and acceptance among communities, and it serves as a reminder that discrimination and hate have no place in New Jersey," she said.

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