Islam is a major world religion, with an estimated 1.8 billion followers globally. In the United States, Muslims make up approximately 1% of the population, with New York City being home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country. In this article, we will explore the diverse Muslim community in New York City, including Arabs, Pakistanis, and other Islamic immigrants, and the mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers that serve them.
Arabs are one of the largest Muslim communities in New York City, with many coming from countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The Arab-American Association of New York, founded in 1996, is one of the largest Arab-American organizations in the city and provides social services and advocacy for Arab-Americans in the area. The organization offers a range of services, including job training, English language classes, and health services, and serves as a resource for the Arab community in New York City.
Pakistanis are also a significant Muslim community in New York City, with many coming from cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The Pakistan Society of New York, founded in 1957, provides cultural, educational, and social services to the Pakistani-American community in the city. The organization hosts events and activities throughout the year, including the annual Pakistan Day Parade, and serves as a hub for the Pakistani community in New York City.
In addition to Arabs and Pakistanis, there are also significant populations of Bangladeshi, Turkish, and West African Muslims in New York City. These communities have their own unique cultural and religious practices, and contribute to the vibrant diversity of the Muslim community in the city.
There are numerous mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers throughout New York City that serve the diverse Muslim community. The Islamic Center of New York, located in Manhattan, is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the city and has been serving the Muslim community since 1965. The mosque is open to both men and women and offers daily prayers, Quranic classes, and community events.
The Islamic Society of Mid-Manhattan, located in the heart of Manhattan, is another prominent mosque in the city and offers a variety of services and programs, including Friday prayers, Quranic classes, and counseling services. The mosque is also active in community outreach and works to build bridges between the Muslim community and the broader community in New York City.
Other prominent Islamic centers in New York City include the Muslim Community Center of Brooklyn, the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge, and the Islamic Circle of North America, which has chapters throughout the city. These centers offer a range of services and programs, including religious education, community outreach, and social services, and serve as important hubs for the Muslim community in their respective neighborhoods.
New York City is also home to the Islamic Cultural Center of New York, also known as the “Islamic Cultural Center Mosque,” which was established in 1984. The mosque is located in a prominent location in Manhattan, near Central Park, and features a large dome and minaret, making it a recognizable landmark in the city. The mosque offers a range of services and programs, including religious education, social services, and community events, and serves as an important resource for the Muslim community in New York City.
Overall, the Muslim community in New York City is a diverse and vibrant community, with numerous organizations, centers, and mosques that serve their unique needs. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the Muslim community in New York City has remained resilient and continues to contribute to the city’s cultural and social fabric. The mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers in the city serve as important hubs for the community, providing religious and social services, and building bridges between the Muslim community and the broader.
Read more about Islam in America
Read about the origins of Islam and Muslims
