January is Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey, following a bill signed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2023. At the time, Murphy emphasized the importance of acknowledging the state’s diverse Muslim communities, noting that the month would “celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans who help make New Jersey stronger.”
On Thursday, January 29, Kean University prepared to honor the month with an interfaith celebration of student and community voices. The Little Theater buzzed with quiet conversation as students, faculty, and community members filtered into their seats. Nearby, large posters highlighted centuries of Muslim contributions to science, art, and global civilization.
The event, hosted in collaboration with the Africana Studies Department and the NJ Muslim Heritage Month Coalition, set the tone for this year’s observance. Located in the Little Theater of the Miron Student Center, it opened with remarks from several notable Muslim and Christian Black leaders who spoke on efforts made for interfaith unity, and a presentation on African American Muslim history in New Jersey.
The event then gave way to two panels. The first was titled “Faith Through Change: Muslim Scholars on History, Displacement, and Identity” in which panelists discussed their journeys as American Muslims and the intersection between faith and identity. The second was titled “Beyond the Headlines: African & Diverse Muslim American Stories Through Creative Expression” wherein panelists discussed expressing their faith through artwork.
For many Kean students, the event offered a moment of recognition and connection.
“I liked the diversity of it all,” said Fanta Kaba, a sophomore majoring in Psychology. “It was really interesting to hear people’s different perspectives and how they navigate Islam in their daily lives.”
That sense of shared experience echoed across campus as Muslim students shared their experiences on campus and their thoughts on faith and identity.
Mohamad Berete, a junior majoring in Industrial Design from Sickerville, NJ, reflected on the influence Islam has on his life. “Being Muslim means... striving to be a better person every day. I might make mistakes, but I’m always striving to be better.”
According to Berete, being a college student and Muslim at the same time has its challenges. He described the party life as being especially difficult, “just trying to stay focused and distance yourself from negative energy.”
Despite some reservations, he believes Kean provides a supportive atmosphere. “Kean is a great environment for being Muslim,” he said. “Everybody’s welcome here. There’s the MSA [Muslim Student Association], you can pray, and you don’t get harsh feedback for being Muslim.”
MSA friends Charlie Collins and Adja Tandjigora expressed this sentiment as well. They are both frequent visitors to the Muslim prayer room, located in the Center for Academic Success.
“When I first converted to Islam, the main thing that caught my eye was the humility and being devout to Allah,” Collins, a sophomore majoring in Communications from Roselle, NJ, remembered. “It’ll always be in my heart no matter what.”
The two friends emphasized connection, intention, and self-care as being core to their Islamic journeys.
“Within Islam, everything you do counts towards something,” said Tandjigora, a freshman majoring in Speech Language Hearing Sciences from Plainfield, NJ. “As long as you have the intention and you’re striving for the good, it’ll usually come back for you.”
Junior Sumayya Kattaria, an Informational Technology major from Woodbridge, NJ, hadn’t known about Muslim Heritage Month, but learning about it helped her feel more seen. “It’s a very honorable thing to do... it’s very considerate,” she said. “I never expected something like that to happen.”
The celebration comes amidst preparations for Ramadan, a month where Muslims fast and redouble efforts to connect with God and the community. Raheen Chowdry, a senior majoring in Architectural Studies from Franklin Lakes, NJ, described being Muslim as a source of guidance. As Ramadan approaches, he reflected on its meaning. “It’s always a blessing to make it to Ramadan each year,” he said. “I’m definitely grateful to God that I’m able to make it.”
Ramadan holds many meanings for each Muslim. Berete expressed hopes of breaking bad habits and maintaining good ones. Kattaria felt grateful to be able to observe the month again. Collins, a convert, was excited to experience Ramadan as a Muslim for the first time. And Tandjigora was hopeful for the sense of upbeatness and spirituality of the month. As she puts it, “This is a really fun time. It’s really spiritual, and I really do enjoy it.”
As we exit Muslim Heritage Month and make our way towards Ramadan, the presence, we are reminded of the role of Muslims in our communities. With this month, Kean University celebrates the presence of Muslims on our campus, and their role in interfaith and multicultural dialogue.
