Join us in Jackson MS from April 1 to April 30 annually, to celebrate the rich diversity, history, and culture of American Muslims!
* ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME *
City of Jackson Beloved Community Iftar
An Evening of Spiritual and Cultural Enlightment with stories of Muslim Compassion, Contributions, Heart, and Humor with the World.
Daniel Tuttis a writer and researcher with Unity Productions Foundation, a media company dedicated to promoting interfaith cooperation and building greater understanding of the history of Muslims in America. As a scholar, he writes on inter-religious dialogue and topics in religion, politics, and philosophy. He is Co-Editor of a new book entitled, Justice in Islam: New Ethical Perspectives and is one of the producers of UPF’s latest television series created for PBS called The Great Muslim American Road Trip.
His writing has been published in Philosophy Now, The Islamic Monthly, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post and he has lecturedat George Washington University, the Washington, DC jail and Marymount University.
At UPF, he has developed and implemented several programs, including American Muslims: Facts vs. Fiction, a short film that reached over 10 million people during the 2016 election season, and 20,000 Dialogues a national interfaith campaign that achieved 20,000 interfaith encounters at the grassroots level.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (born Chris Jackson) is a world-renowned professional basketball player who grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi. He first caught the nation’s attention in 1988 as a Louisiana State University (LSU) freshman sensation. That year he averaged 30.2 points per game, an NCAA record that stands to this day. In 1990, he entered the NBA after his sophomore season and was drafted 3rd overall by the Denver Nuggets. In 1991, he converted to Islam and took the same Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. By the 1995–1996 season, Abdul-Rauf was unmatched on the court, scoring 51 against the seemingly unbreakable Utah Jazz, 32 on Michael Jordan, and leading his team in both points and assists. It was shortly before this time that Abdul-Rauf decided he would no longer stand for the “The Star Spangled Banner,” viewing the American flag as a symbol of oppression and racism.
The NBA temporarily suspended Abdul-Rauf, and soon he was traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he was kept on the bench much of the time. After his contract expired, he found himself shunned by every NBA team, effectively forced out of the league. Today, Abdul-Rauf plays in the BIG3 basketball league where he was named co-captain of his team and led them to consecutive playoff and semi-finals games. He continues to participate in many speaking engagements around the world encouraging people to stand up for their principles.
The mission of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) is to counter bigotry and create peace through the media. UPF produces films that tell compelling stories for television, online viewing, and theatrical release. These films are part of long-term educational campaigns aimed at increasing religious and cultural pluralism, especially among Muslims and other faiths.
An Evening with trailblazer—Mahmoud Abdul Rauf, Muslim Athlete and Peace builder.
Join IMMC for a community conversation with Abdul-Rauf about his autobiography recounting his career, his commitment to his Islamic faith and the evolution of athlete activism.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (born Chris Jackson) is a world-renowned professional basketball player who grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi. He first caught the nation’s attention in 1988 as a Louisiana State University (LSU) freshman sensation. That year he averaged 30.2 points per game, an NCAA record that stands to this day. In 1990, he entered the NBA after his sophomore season and was drafted 3rd overall by the Denver Nuggets. In 1991, he converted to Islam and took the same Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. By the 1995–1996 season, Abdul-Rauf was unmatched on the court, scoring 51 against the seemingly unbreakable Utah Jazz, 32 on Michael Jordan, and leading his team in both points and assists. It was shortly before this time that Abdul-Rauf decided he would no longer stand for the “The Star Spangled Banner,” viewing the American flag as a symbol of oppression and racism.
The NBA temporarily suspended Abdul-Rauf, and soon he was traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he was kept on the bench much of the time. After his contract expired, he found himself shunned by every NBA team, effectively forced out of the league. Today, Abdul-Rauf plays in the BIG3 basketball league where he was named co-captain of his team and led them to consecutive playoff and semi-finals games. He continues to participate in many speaking engagements around the world encouraging people to stand up for their principles.
The American Masjid (Mosque)
How does local/ regional/ vernacular architecture affect mosque architecture in America, how do contemporary mosques differ from traditional mosques? What is the role of mosques in society today?
Riad Ali was born in Al-Khadr, Palestine, eight miles away from Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and three
miles away from the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. Al-Khadr was a small village then but visited by
tourists from all over the world. The village is known for the ancient Solomon’s Pools, previously the
main source of water for Jerusalem, as well as a historic castle from the time of the Crusaders.
As a student, Riad coordinated and was one of those who translated “ماذا يعني انتمائي للإسلام” (To Be a
Muslim), by Fathi Yakan. Riad has also been involved in the establishment of several Islamic centers. He
worked with Dr. Ihsan Bagby on different projects that helped to prepare him for this project. “Thanks
goes out to Riad Ali – of the website Muslim Guide – who was invaluable in the mosque count,” in “The
American Mosque 2011.” – January 2012 report by Dr. Bagby.
The Minarets of America
Islamic Architectural Symbols in the American Horizon (Photo Exhibition )
Religious architecture symbolizes the values of faith and highlights concepts of sacredness regardless of what religion it belongs to. It is becoming a subject of universal significance because of the compelling opportunity it offers to individuals to make aesthetics a tool for their spiritual development and growth. This exhibition features a selected number of images of mosque minarets in the USA in order to show the wide variety of regional religious architectural styles in the Islamic world. By focusing on mosque minarets in the USA, the exhibition aspires to celebrate and raise awareness of the artistic richness, unique features and religious symbolism of these architectural elements. The fact that these minarets reflect a range of regional architectural traditions in the Islamic world is attestation to the contributions brought by the newly settled Muslim immigrants and gradually became part of the American cultural fabric. Some of these minarets reflect architectural style from Southeast Asia while others show features from Turkey, Iran, the Middle East, Central Asia, Southern Europe, and India.
From one of the earliest mosques in the tiny town of Ross in North Dakota which, according to historians, was built around 1929 by Syrian-Lebanese immigrants, to the present day, the number of mosques in the USA has been steadily rising. In 2000, the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership identified 1209 mosques in the US.
From one of the earliest mosques in the tiny town of Ross in North Dakota which, according to historians, was built around 1929 by Syrian-Lebanese immigrants, to the present day, the number of mosques in the USA has been steadily rising.
In their 2011 follow-up study, they found that the number went up to reach 2106. Ten years later, their statistics show that the number of mosques in the US has reached 2769. These rising numbers of mosques reflect the growing number of Muslims in the USA. According to Pew Research Center estimations, the number of Muslims in the US grew from 2.34 million in 2007 to about 3.45 million of all ages in 2017. This number made up about 1.1% of the total U.S. population.
In 2000, the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership identified 1209 mosques in the US. In their 2011 follow-up study, they found that the number went up to reach 2106. Ten years later, their statistics show that the number of mosques in the US has reached 2769. These rising numbers of mosques reflect the growing number of Muslims in the USA. According to Pew Research Center estimations, the number of Muslims in the US grew from 2.34 million in 2007 to about 3.45 million of all ages in 2017. This number made up about 1.1% of the total U.S. population.
In addition to their main function as houses of worship, mosques also contribute to the social and cultural life of their communities. Mosques are places where Muslims organize weddings, funerals, and celebrate many other religious and cultural events. They are also educational institutions where Islamic studies lessons and Arabic language classes are offered for different age groups including children. Mosques are also community centers where worshipers congregate to discuss any issues relating to the development and welfare of their communities.
The City of Jackson Beloved Community Ramadan Food Box Drive
As more Jacksonians struggle to put meals on the table than anywhere else in the country, IMMC is partnering with Islamic Relief USA to meet the needs of the City of Jackson Beloved Community with food boxes.
Ramadan is a month of fasting, spiritual reflection, and charity for Muslims in Jackson MS and all over the world. It’s a month that serves as a reminder of the significant number of people who suffer from hunger daily. According to the most recent census report, over 17 million families in the United States are food insecure. 1 in 4 children is at risk for hunger. More than 46 million people living in the United States live in poverty, the highest number recorded in the 52 years for which poverty statistics have been reported, according to the World Hunger Education Service.
A Celebration of World Heritage - Great Muslim American Road Trip
Did you know that Timbuktu was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1988, Timbuktu City is regarded as the intellectual and spiritual capital of Africa’s Islamic propagation in the 15th and 16th centuries, and an economic hub. This city at the Sahara desert gateway was founded in the 5th century. Timbuktu is home to the Koranic Sankore University, and three big mosques – Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia plus a series of Islamic schools (madrasas). When Islam was spreading, Timbuktu had 180 Koranic schools with 25,000 students. It also served as a marketplace where Islamic manuscripts, salt, gold, cattle, and grain from other regions were traded, according to UNESCO. Timbuktu’s ancient civilization is protected by the government and international law.
Join Mona Haydar and her husband Sebastian Robbins as they travel Route 66 to discover America and to uncover stories of Muslim builders, bakers, and skyscraper makers! You’ll learn about Sebastian’s journey to Islam, Mona’s creativity, how Muslims are promoting racial healing, the stories of the first Muslims, a tech entrepreneur shaping the future, and so much more.
Sounds of Faith Series Kickoff with A Tribute to Muslim Blues, Jazz and hip-hop artists
From Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, the civil rights era in America saw African American liberation politics famously associated with Islamic belief.
Did you know there have been other changes in African American cultural life that have been widely and famously associated with Islam – and that distinction belongs not just to political or sporting giants, but Muslim Culture also impacted the development of signature American music like blues, jazz, and hip-hop.
Join us and experience how music and spirituality are intricately related, with spirituality often being the inspiration for the creation of music. From the melodies of the east to west, the impact of Islamic spirituality on the soul of American jazz, blues and hip-hop ranks second only to that of Southern black churches.
Hoosein-McLean is a vivacious musical duo from New Orleans featuring Mehnaz Hoosein (vocals) and Andrew McLean (guitars, sarode, tabla).
The duo performs new and old compositions from both the sacred soundscapes of India and the currents of the Gulf-South – all with a fresh and playful, New Orleans-inspired, live-music approach. They have performed together at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and other regional venues.
Masakowski-Moushabeck is a dynamic musical duo hailing from New Orleans, comprised of Martin Masakowski (bass) and Simon Moushabeck (percussion, accordion).
The duo seamlessly blends their diverse backgrounds and influences, which span across genres such as jazz, folk, Arabic and Eastern European music to create a unique and captivating sound. Their performances feature original compositions as well as traditional Arabic music all with a fresh and innovative approach. Masakowski-Moushabeck’s electrifying performances showcase their impressive technical skills and their deep love and respect for music. They are a true embodiment of the vibrant and multicultural music scene in New Orleans.
Host: Khalid Hudson- Mr. Hudson is the Senior Organizer with One LA- IAF and he serves as a board member for the International Museum of Muslim Cultures (IMMC) in Jackson, Ms. The IMMC’s primary mission is to lift up the rich history of religious coexistence as a way to inspire “interfaith work” to improve communities for all. He is originally from Chicago, IL, and is a graduate of the University of Iowa, with a degree in African American World Studies. He is a dedicated husband to his wife, Khadijah and proud father of three sons: Ibrahim (17), Yusuf (16) and Khalil (6), and a daughter Zarinah (24).
Artist: Amir Tubad Gray- the genre-defying sensation and phenomenal vocalist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, has been revolutionizing the music scene with his unique fusion of contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and soul. Emerging from the bustling streets of Chicago, this enigmatic artist has skyrocketed to global acclaim, gracing prestigious stages like Fox’s Empire and MTV’s Are You The One. Overflowing with talent and passion, Tubad’s distinctive sound and spellbinding performances have captivated music enthusiasts everywhere. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tubad, a trailblazing musician whose every note resonates with unmatched creativity and flair – an artist who never fails to astonish.
Experience how spiritual Islam profoundly influenced music with IMMC as we celebrate the Sound of Faith Series.
ABOUT ISLAMIC HERITAGE MONTH
Islamic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the American Muslim communities. The event, which spans from April 1 to April 30, commemorates the rich culture, history, and diversity of Muslims and their contributions to America and the world at large.
Islamic Heritage Month in Jackson actually began as a commemorative month when it was first introduced in a proclamation in April 2016 by former Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber, in honor of IMMC’s 15-year anniversary. The mayor urged all citizens “to celebrate and commemorate the historical contributions of Muslims, who ignited the Renaissance of Europe—into America, ushering in the age of science and technology, a culture of tolerance and peace, and the value of education “.
On April 1, 2016, in honor of the fifteen-year anniversary of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures, the former Jackson Mayor, Tony Yarber, issued a proclamation designating April, annually, as Islamic Heritage Month, for the city of Jackson.
The mayor calls upon all the residents of this great city to join him in celebration and recognition of the history and contributions of the Islamic Community. “The Bold New City of Jackson is home to citizens of diverse nationalities, Ethnicities, representing several religious Faiths and cultural traditions. As a city, we are enriched by these relationships and enhanced by their histories, lives, cultural experiences, and contributions.
In the City’s Bold New Vision to transform Jackson become a destination City, we seek to build on our cultural and religious diversity, encouraging and promoting positive multi-cultural and interfaith relations, social and educational outreach, cooperation of different Faith traditions and their related institutions.” Each year during the month of April, a series of activities are hosted including educational, arts, and cultural programs, and conclude with a Citywide Islamic Heritage Festival, with statewide participation. The International Museum of Muslim Cultures is proud to highlight Muslim diversity, history, and contributions to America and the World. Public schools are encouraged to observe by utilizing this as an opportunity to have students learn more about America’s vibrant Muslim Community, rich culture and history, and the contributions of Muslims to America and the greater world by participating in celebrating Islamic Heritage Month and visiting the Muslim Museum in Jackson.
The mayor calls upon all the residents of this great city to join him in celebration and recognition of the history and contributions of the Islamic Community. “The Bold New City of Jackson is home to citizens of diverse nationalities, Ethnicities, representing several religious Faiths and cultural traditions. As a city, we are enriched by these relationships and enhanced by their histories, lives, cultural experiences, and contributions.
In the City’s Bold New Vision to transform Jackson become a destination City, we seek to build on our cultural and religious diversity, encouraging and promoting positive multi-cultural and interfaith relations, social and educational outreach, cooperation of different Faith traditions and their related institutions.”
Each year during the month of April, a series of activities are hosted including educational, arts, and cultural programs, and conclude with a Citywide Islamic Heritage Festival, with statewide participation. The International Museum of Muslim Cultures is proud to highlight Muslim diversity, history, and contributions to America and the World. Public schools are encouraged to observe by utilizing this as an opportunity to have students learn more about America’s vibrant Muslim Community, rich culture and history, and the contributions of Muslims to America and the greater world by participating in celebrating Islamic Heritage Month and visiting the Muslim Museum in Jackson.
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Contact
201 E Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201
201 E. Pascagoula St. Jackson,MS 39201
Museum Hours
Reservations Required
Tuesday – Thursday
10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 11am-4:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday
10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 11am-4:00pm
Affiliations
Contact
201 E Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201
201 E. Pascagoula St. Jackson,MS 39201
Museum Hours
Reservations Required
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday 11am-4:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday 11am-4:00pm
AFFILIATIONS
