Montclair Celebrates ‘Muslim Heritage Month’ With Proclamation

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Town Council has issued a proclamation that designates January as “Muslim Heritage Month” in the township.

Mayor Sean Spiller read the proclamation at Tuesday’s council meeting, noting that it comes on the heels of a statewide Muslim Heritage Month that was approved last year. Democratic and Republican lawmakers unanimously supported the state resolution in both chambers. Read More: NJ Will Celebrate Its First 'Muslim Heritage Month' In 2024

New Jersey has one of the highest percentages of Muslim residents in the nation.

Montclair’s resolution reads in part:

“Whereas on April 29, 2023, Governor [Phil] Murphy signed a joint resolution number six by the Senate and General Assembly of the state of New Jersey designating the month of January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month,

“And whereas 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, whereas there are over 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey, representing one of the largest Muslim American communities in the United States. Their contributions help fortify and strengthen the economy diversity with the people of our great state and our local communities,

“And whereas the township of Montclair recognizes the monumental achievements from the Muslim community, and desires to recognize the month of January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month,

“Whereas the Township of Montclair recognizes and appreciates that the Muslim community has directly contributed to the diversity and positive growth of the township in various fields including education, entrepreneurship, government, law, medicine, literature, drama, sculpture, music, food and culture as well as all aspects of life throughout the United States and abroad, and continues to influence our beliefs and embedded values,

“Now therefore, the mayor and the town council of Montclair do hereby declare the month of January as Muslim Heritage Month and acknowledge the contributions of all Muslims who continue to enrich all aspects of the Montclair community.”

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