Cambridge city hall Islamic heritage display aims to educate, spread love

Did you know that the mathematician and astronomer who introduced numerals and algebra to European mathematics was Muslim? Muḥammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi is known as the “Father of Algebra.”

And how about this: the fig plant is one of a few plants mentioned in the holy Quran, along with its health benefits. 

These are a few historical stories that are part of a visual display at Cambridge city hall for Islamic Heritage Month.

Muslim Women of Cambridge is behind the showcase aimed at educating people on Islamic history in an effort to better understand one another.

The display features historic artifacts, calligraphy, profiles of Muslim figures and significant foods; it even offers hijabs for people to take home for free.

Fauzia Wafai, the group’s community engagement coordinator, said there are several profiles of historical Muslim figures. 

“Muslim heritage is rich in a sense that all the scholars, learners, scientists, mathematicians, authors have made huge, huge investments of their time and did enormous work,” she said.

Wafai said, previously, the group has set up its displays at local libraries and other spaces, but this year, the group intentionally chose to partner with the city.

The display at city hall is on until the end of the month, Oct. 29.