South Florida Muslims Celebrate Muslim Heritage Month Recognition

Community celebrates new legislative recognition with interfaith gathering in Miami.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Council on American-Islamic Relations–Florida (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced a celebration marking the recognition of May 2025 as Florida Muslim-American Heritage Month, following resolutions passed by both chambers of the Florida Legislature.

To commemorate the occasion, a congregational religious service — known as Jumu‘ah Khutbah — will be held at Masjid Al-Ansar, Florida’s first Islamic center, located in Miami’s inner city. The sermon will be delivered by CAIR-Florida’s Imam Abdullah Jaber. Following the Friday prayer, remarks will be offered by Masjid Al-Ansar’s resident imam and founder, Imam Nasir Ahmad, a long-standing community leader.

CAIR-Florida attorneys, its youth coordinator, and other personnel will be present to provide orientation and counseling services to the community.

Several other Muslim organizations across Florida have confirmed their participation. The Islamic Circle of North America Relief (ICNA Relief) will lead a food and grocery distribution initiative for the local community. The South Florida Muslim Federation will also have representatives on site to assist attendees in accessing services offered by the 30+ Muslim organizations under its umbrella.

MEDIA COVERAGE:
All participating organization representatives and the referenced imams are available for on-camera, print, or audio media interviews.

EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: Commemoration of Florida Muslim-American Heritage Month
WHO: Sermon by Imam Abdullah Jaber; community services by ICNA Relief and South Florida Muslim Federation
WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025
WHERE: Masjid Al-Ansar (Al-Ansar Islamic Center); 5245 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
TIME: Call to Prayer (Adhan) at 1:30 p.m.
The religious service will include a sermon by Imam Abdullah Jaber followed by congregational prayer and closing remarks by Masjid Al-Ansar’s resident imam, Nasir Ahmad.

Background on Florida Muslim-American Heritage Month:
In April, the Florida House of Representatives adopted HR 8069, a resolution introduced by Rep. Anna Eskamani and co-sponsored by Reps. Rita Harris and Angie Nixon. Shortly thereafter, the Florida Senate adopted SR 1384, sponsored by Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith. Both resolutions recognize May 2025 as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrate the contributions and culture of Muslim Americans in Florida.

CAIR-Florida Policy Director Mari Marks stated:

“For the first time, a Muslim-American Heritage Month resolution has been adopted by both chambers of the Florida Legislature. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Anna Eskamani, Rita Harris, Angie Nixon, and Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith for championing this historic recognition.

Recognizing May as Muslim-American Heritage Month in Florida is not only a celebration but also a strategic step in amplifying the influence and contributions of Florida Muslims — both past and present.”

CAIR-Florida’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

Source: CAIR

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