New Year Ushers First Muslim Centennial in America
2020 marks historic moment for America’s Muslim community
The Muslim community in America marks a historic moment as we enter 2020, completing 100 full years since the establishment of the oldest Muslim organization in the United States. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA was established in 1920 when its first Missionary arrived in the United States on February 15th and established the community in the same year.
To mark this historic 100-year anniversary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA has many events and activities planned for 2020. This Centennial year will kick-off on February 15th to commemorate the moment its first Missionary arrived in the United States. This will be followed by several more activities through the year aimed at commemorating America and the Community. May 9th will feature a nationwide “Open Mosque” Centennial Iftar during the month of Ramadan to ensure Americans all over the country feel welcome to visit a mosque to get to know a Muslim.
“Last year, Pew Research concluded that 54% of Americans don’t know a Muslim,” said Amjad Mahmood Khan, National Director of Public Affairs for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “We are committed to changing that figure drastically and hope our fellow Americans will accept our invitation to meet us. We have been here 100 years, deeply love this country, and have a track record of serving this nation and its people since the beginning. We invite Americans to meet us, allow us to learn from one another, and collaborate to make this country the best it can be.”
About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 213 countries with tens of millions of members. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is the oldest American-Muslim organization.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.
