Muslims living in Naperville have the chance to shape how decision-makers in Illinois and the nation respond to their ethnically and economically diverse community.
A comprehensive demographic study is in the works that will provide the first evidence-based portrait of the Muslim community in Illinois and an assessment of the group’s needs and assets.
Data from surveys and focus groups will be used to develop a report in 2022 that is expected to influence philanthropic, social, civic, faith, public health and business outcomes for decades, said Dilara Sayeed, president of the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition.
The data will be gathered by the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition in collaboration with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.
Illinois is home to one of the larger populations of Muslims in the United States. “It is complex, vibrant and complicated,” said Sayeed, a former Naperville resident and District 203 teacher.
The Illinois Muslim community, like that in Naperville, is a microcosm of the United States, and Sayeed said conclusions drawn from the state study can serve as a catalyst for programs across the country.
Sayeed said Muslims in Illinois come from varied racial, ethnic, class and professional backgrounds from refugees from Somalia to doctors and CEOs from India.
A 2019 report from Institute for Social Policy and Understanding shows 28% of American Muslims are Black, 23% Asian, 19% white, 14% Arabic, 8% Hispanic, 2% Native American and 5% identify as another ethnic background.
Kashif Fakruddin, president of the Islamic Center of Naperville, can attest to the diversity. Fakruddin said at least 18 different countries were represented at an event spotlighting the cultures of the more than 3,000 families who attend the three Islamic center locations in Naperville.
Having so many different ethnic backgrounds represented gave the people in attendance the opportunity to engage and have a very diverse community experience, he said.
Data extracted from the study will allow the Islamic Center of Naperville to not only host more multicultural events, but Fakruddin said the center can invite members of the varied ethnic groups to participate in the center’s committees and to join the leadership team.
“This will be a part of our focus for this year to reach out to these individuals,” Fakruddin said. “It is challenging, but I think this report really is very encouraging.”
Sayeed said the demographic study will be different from the 2020 U.S. Census, which focused more on race and the makeup of individual households.
The census does not ask questions related to religion and faith or critical information needed to assess the needs of communities, Sayeed said.
“We want to make sure that the study gives us clear evidence of where the challenges are, where the community needs more resources, where the community needs support, and also where the community is struggling because access is denied because they are Black, brown, tan, of every different background,” Sayeed said.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an example why a comprehensive study is critical, Sayeed said.
Refugees and low-income families, Sayeed said, often don’t receive health care or access to care because of barriers. Middle class and high-income groups that include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, educators and teachers are also affected, she said.
She said the report could help healthcare and public health professionals understand the needs of the community, and by better understanding the needs, philanthropy and government supports can be provided.
Data for the study is expected to be collected and analyzed this year. Writing and producing the report will take place in early 2022 with the dissemination of findings and recommendations slated for later that year.
subaker@tribpub.com
