American Muslims 

Diverse | Valued | Vital

Approximately 700,000 Floridians identify themselves as American Muslims

American Muslims are the most diverse people in America. In fact, American Muslims have their own unique  nature illustrated by varying origins, ethnic and racial make-up. Altogether Muslims from nearly 80 ethnicities and cultural backgrounds constitute today’s American-Muslim citizens.

History 

• Historians estimate that up to 30 percent of enslaved blacks in the U.S. were Muslims.
• West African prince Abdul Rahman, freed by President John Quincy Adams in 1828 after 40 years in captivity, was only one of many African Muslims kidnapped and sold into servitude in   the New World. 
• In early America, Muslim names could be found  in reports of runaway slaves as well as among rosters of soldiers in the Revolutionary War. 
• Muslims fought to preserve American independence in the War of 1812 and for the Union in the Civil War. 
• In the 16th century, Muslims helped to build St. Augustine, the oldest city in the Nation. While creating Muslim communities such as Fort Musa and Angola, Florida. 
• By the 18th century Florida held the largest Muslim population in the United States.

Migration

• Driven by immigration and migration, today Florida Muslims are the most racially diverse community reflective of the changing ethnic patterns of the State of Florida.
• 63 percent are first-generation immigrants from 80 different countries around the globe. While 37 percent were born in the U.S. 
• 70  percent of Muslims born outside of the U.S. are citizens (compared to 47% of all foreign-born citizens).

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Demographics 

• Racially; 30 percent report their race as white, 23 percent as black, 21 percent as Asian, 6 percent as Hispanic and 19 percent as other or mixed race. 
• 59 percent of are between the ages of 18 and 39.
• American Muslims represent the nation’s fastest growing small business community. 
• American Muslims in professional fields include teaching, public service, corporate America, journalism, technology, jurisprudence, medicine, entertainment and research.
• American Muslims are well represented among higher-income earners, with 19 percent claiming an annual household income of $100,000 or higher.
• 66 percent of head of households earn a median annual income of $66,000 or more.