Muslim Americans
The District 3 Office is proud to celebrate the beauty, vibrancy, and diversity of our community, including Muslim Americans. Santa Clara County is home to more than 60,000 families whose faith, culture, or background are connected to Islam.
Contributions and stories of trace back to the 1500’s, prominently from Turkish and Yemeni immigrants, and various African nations due to the barbaric slave trade. Morocco, a Muslim nation, was the first country to recognize the sovereignty of the United States of America in 1777, and remains our longest unbroken treaty. The Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965 led to nearly three million people immigrating to the United States from countries with large Muslim populations, with about one-third from North Africa or the Middle East and one-third from South Asia.
Approximately 24% of the world is Muslim and are majority in 49 countries - speaking hundreds of languages and incredibly diverse ethnic backgrounds. Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Iran and Turkey have the largest Muslim populations.
Muslim Americans are very active locally, and the County of Santa Clara has been honored to celebrate them at various events and with recognitions including American Muslim Appreciation Month. We’re thankful to share these celebrations with the community, along with information to connect with local groups and organizations.
Local Groups and Organizations:
Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR California San Francisco Bay Area - LINK
South Bay Islamic Association - LINK
Muslim Community Association - LINK
SABA Islamic Center - LINK
Refugee Support & Resources - LINK
CELEBRATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
At the March 11, 2024 Board of Supervisors Ceremonial Meeting we presented a declaration celebrating March 2024 as Afghan American Heritage Month, and at the March 12, 2024 Board of Supervisors Meeting we adopted a declaration for the beginning of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, on March 19, 2024. We have also continued the annual flag raising and cultural events for the Palestinian community - the next on May 11, 2024 at the McEntee County Plaza, and in recognition of Pakistani Independence Day.
There are two major holidays in Islam - Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adh. These holidays are based on the Islamic Lunar Calendar, so the dates change annually. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a time of fasting. Eid al-Fitr festivals and family gatherings are centered around meals. Eid al-Adh falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and is centered around offerings and pilgrimage, two main tenets of the Islamic faith.
While many Americans may not be familiar with Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adh, many are familiar with Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar which begins on the first night of the crescent moon. It is a time of daily fasting from dawn to sunset along with an increase in worship and charity deeds, festive family gatherings, and concludes with the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Ramadan is also centered on the five pillars of Islam - Shahada, Faith; Salat, Prayer; Zakat, Alms; Sawm, Fasting; and Hajj, Pilgrimage.
We wish all families celebrating Ramadan a healthy and prosperous month ahead.
The District 3 Office recognizes that many of our neighbors here in Santa Clara County are suffering from the trauma of this violence from the conflict in Israel and Palestine, and several have lost loved ones. Click HERE to read statements regarding this conflict and community resources. We join the community in calls for peace.