Mount Laurel Township declared January Muslim Heritage Month after swearing in its first Muslim mayor at a reorganization meeting on Jan. 3.
After she took the oath, Fozia Janjua – also the township’s first South Asian female mayor – read a proclamation that reflected on the history of Muslim heritage, as well as the accomplishments of Muslims around the world.
“On April 29, 2023, New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed Joint Resolution No. 6 by the Senate and the General Assembly of the state of New Jersey designating the month of January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month,” Janjua read.
According to the proclamation, Muslims are the world’s second-largest religious group practicing the Islamic faith. With 1.9 billion followers representing approximately 25% of the world’s population, there are about 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S. from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The community represents 1.1% of the Muslim population in America.
“Muslims first arrived in North America along with enslaved Africans, whom historians estimate 30% were Muslim,” the proclamation also noted. “Their Islamic beliefs and practices contributed in numerous ways to the founding of our nation, including courageous and dictated military services in every major war, including the American Revolutionary War.”
There are more than 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey, representing one of the largest of those communities in the country. Their contributions helped fortify and strengthen the economy and diversity in the state and local communities, according to the document.
The township recognized the monumental achievements of the Muslim community, and stated in the proclamation that it will recognize the month of January every year as Muslim Heritage Month.
“(The township) recognizes and appreciates that the Muslim community has directly contributed to the diversity and positive growth of the city in various fields …” the township noted, ” … and continues to influence our beliefs and embedded values.”
The resolution expressed the township’s gratitude for Muslims in the community who have directly contributed to government, civil service, and public-interest work through the judiciary, the city council, the board of education, city government offices and nonprofit endeavors.
The proclamation then concluded by referring to the potential of the growing Muslim community and its future accomplishments.
“(The township) will continue to keep its doors open to the Muslim Community,” it stated. “Designating January as Muslim Heritage Month will help highlight the many achievements and successes of Mount Laurel Township’s Muslim community and further inspire younger generations to contribute towards the prosperity of Mount Laurel.”
Members of the Mount Laurel Muslim Association were in attendance at the meeting to accept the proclamation.
