Somerset County proclaims January 2026 as National Muslim Heritage Month

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners read a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as National Muslim Heritage Month and praised the contributions of Muslim residents to the county.

An official reading of the proclamation cited Governor Phil D. Murphy’s 2023 joint resolution and included demographic figures: "Muslims are the world's second largest religious population with approximately 1,900,000,000 followers, more than 300,000 in the state of New Jersey, and an estimated 10,000 in Somerset County." The proclamation states the county "do hereby recognize January 2026 as National Muslim Heritage Month in the County Of Somerset and urge all citizens to learn about and recognize the numerous contributions made by Muslims throughout history and specifically contributions towards our local communities," and notes it is signed by the five county commissioners.

Dr. Chaudhry, introduced during the presentation as representing the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and a long-time Somerset County resident, thanked the commissioners "on behalf of all Muslims in Somerset County and in The United States" and described local plans to celebrate heritage awareness, including an event on Sunday, March 25 at the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge where young people will speak. Another resident from Hillsborough, who identified themselves as a longtime county resident, said the recognition was welcome and noted planned library activities to increase exposure and information about Muslim heritage.

The presentation concluded with a group photograph.