Islam has a long and rich history in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Muslim community continues to grow and thrive in the city. Muslims of various backgrounds, including Arabs, Pakistanis, and other immigrant communities, have made St. Louis their home and have contributed to the city’s vibrant culture and diversity.
According to the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, there are approximately 50,000 Muslims living in the St. Louis metropolitan area. This number includes both native-born Muslims and immigrants from around the world. The Muslim community is diverse, with individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including Arab, Pakistani, Bosnian, and African-American.
The Muslim community in St. Louis is served by several mosques, Islamic centers, and organizations. One of the oldest and most prominent is the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, located in the west of the city. The organization was established in 1974 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most active Muslim organizations in the region. The Islamic Foundation provides a range of services to the Muslim community, including education, outreach, and social services.
Another major Islamic organization in St. Louis is the Islamic Center of America, located in the north of the city. The Islamic Center serves a diverse community of Muslims and offers a range of programs and services, including Islamic education, interfaith outreach, and community events. The center also hosts several community events throughout the year, including an annual Eid festival and a Ramadan iftar.
In addition to these larger organizations, St. Louis is home to several smaller mosques and Islamic centers that serve specific communities or populations. For example, the Bosnian Islamic Center in south St. Louis serves the city’s large Bosnian Muslim community. The center offers Islamic education, cultural events, and social services to the community.
The Muslim community in St. Louis is also active in interfaith dialogue and outreach. The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis hosts an annual interfaith iftar during Ramadan, which brings together Muslims and members of other faith communities to break fast together and discuss issues of mutual concern. The Islamic Center of America also hosts interfaith events and is a member of the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.
In recent years, the Muslim community in St. Louis has faced challenges, including discrimination and prejudice. In 2017, a mosque in the west of the city was vandalized with anti-Muslim graffiti. However, the community has responded with resilience and determination, coming together to support one another and stand up against hate.
In conclusion, the Muslim community in St. Louis, Missouri, is a diverse and vibrant community that continues to grow and thrive. With a range of mosques, Islamic centers, and organizations serving the community, Muslims in St. Louis have access to education, outreach, and social services. The community is also active in interfaith dialogue and outreach, working to build bridges between Muslims and members of other faith communities. Despite facing challenges, the Muslim community in St. Louis remains resilient and committed to building a brighter future for all.
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