Muslims in Colorado: From a Novelty Religion to a Thriving Community

Abstract

In the US state of Colorado the Muslim population has grown ten-fold over the last half century. Consequently, the state has had to adjust from having little contact with non-Muslims to communicating with them on a regular basis. This article first presents the historical development of Colorado's Muslim community and the difficulties it has faced in the wake of recent world political events. The article then describes the growth of Colorado's interfaith community and its interaction with the Muslim ummah. In Colorado, Muslim/non-Muslim interfaith activities have increased exponentially since the mid-1990s, especially since September 11, 2001, due to the increased interest of various groups which have attempted to understand and teach each other about their respective world views. Currently there is at least one interfaith event every week in the state. As a result of this interaction, the Colorado Muslim community has become more integrated into the Colorado community-at-large, not only religiously, but also socially and politically.