Islam has been a growing religion in the United States for several decades. With the increasing number of immigrants and refugees from Muslim countries, many American cities have seen a surge in the Muslim population. Meridian, a city located in Ada County, Idaho, is one such place where Muslims have established a vibrant community over the years.
The Muslim community in Meridian is diverse, comprising immigrants from several countries, including Arab, Pakistani, Bosnian, and Somali. According to the Islamic Society of Greater Meridian, the city’s Muslim population is estimated to be around 2,500, with more than 300 families actively participating in the community’s activities.
One of the prominent features of the Muslim community in Meridian is their dedication to preserving their Islamic identity and values while actively engaging with the broader community. The Islamic Society of Greater Meridian, established in 2004, serves as a hub for the city’s Muslim community. The society aims to provide an inclusive space for all Muslims, irrespective of their race or ethnicity. It hosts a wide range of activities, including regular prayers, Quranic studies, Islamic lectures, interfaith dialogue, and social events.
The Islamic Society of Greater Meridian also provides several services to the Muslim community. It has a dedicated prayer area, a library with a vast collection of Islamic literature, and a halal food pantry. The society also runs an Islamic school, the Noor-ul-Huda Academy, where children from the community receive Islamic education along with their regular studies.
In addition to the Islamic Society of Greater Meridian, there are also several mosques and Islamic centers in and around the city. The Islamic Center of Boise, located in the neighboring city, is one of the largest mosques in the region and serves as a community center for Muslims from all over southern Idaho. It hosts Friday prayers, Quranic classes, and various cultural events.
The Bosniak Islamic Center of Boise is another prominent mosque located in the city. It serves as a religious and cultural center for the Bosnian Muslim community, which has a significant presence in Meridian and Boise. The mosque hosts regular prayers and Quranic classes and also organizes social events to celebrate the Bosnian Muslim culture and traditions.
The Meridian Islamic Center is another mosque located in the city that serves the local Muslim community. It hosts Friday prayers and provides educational and social services to the community.
The Muslim community in Meridian is actively engaged in interfaith activities and is committed to building bridges of understanding and cooperation with people from different faiths. The Islamic Society of Greater Meridian regularly organizes interfaith dialogue events to promote mutual respect and understanding between Muslims and people of other faiths.
In conclusion, the Muslim community in Meridian is a diverse and vibrant one, comprising immigrants from various countries who have come together to preserve their Islamic identity while actively engaging with the broader community. The community’s dedication to interfaith activities and community service reflects their commitment to building bridges of understanding and cooperation with people of different faiths. With several mosques and Islamic centers in and around the city, the Muslim community in Meridian has established a strong presence and is an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.
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