Michigan Designates January as American Muslim Heritage Month

Michigan Designates January as American Muslim Heritage Month
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The U.S. state of Michigan has announced the designation of January as American Muslim Heritage Month, a move intended to recognize and celebrate the diverse origins and contributions of Muslim communities across the state.

In an official statement, the state government noted that Michigan is home to nearly 250,000 Muslims, with a significant concentration in southeast Michigan, particularly in the cities of Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Warren, alongside dozens of mosques throughout the state.

Throughout January, Michigan is offering a range of cultural and educational activities aimed at highlighting Islamic history and culture and increasing public awareness of Islam and local Muslim communities. These initiatives are intended to reflect the longstanding presence of Muslims and their role in the state’s social fabric.

State authorities confirmed that January 2026 has been formally designated for the official observance of American Muslim Heritage Month, underscoring institutional recognition of the contributions of Muslim Americans to society and to the state’s cultural and religious diversity.

Residents have been encouraged to take part by visiting mosques—more than 50 across Michigan—and engaging with local Muslim communities. Particular attention has been drawn to the city of Dearborn, home to the Islamic Center of America, the largest mosque in the United States, founded in 1949.

According to the Islamic Center of America’s official website, the center functions as an open and inclusive community institution, offering educational, cultural, and interfaith programs alongside religious services, and welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The state’s statement said the designation highlights notable achievements by Muslim Americans in fields including science, technology, business, culture, and sports, emphasizing that Muslims have played a significant role in the founding, development, and continued growth of the United States.

Data from the Pew Research Center indicate that American Muslims represent the smallest major religious group in the country and are among the most ethnically diverse, accounting for just over 1 percent of the U.S. population.

Figures from World Population Review show that Michigan has more than 241,000 Muslim residents, while Muslims nationwide number approximately 3.45 million people, or about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population, representing a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.