Delaware, one of the smallest but most culturally diverse states in the United States, has seen a steady growth of its Muslim community over the last two decades. Though smaller in size compared to neighboring states like Pennsylvania or Maryland, Delaware’s Muslim population is vibrant, organized, and influential across education, business, civic engagement, and interfaith activities.
A Growing and Diverse Muslim Population
The Muslim community in Delaware is estimated to range between 15,000 and 20,000 residents, representing a blend of ethnic backgrounds including Arab, African American, South Asian, West African, Turkish, Bosnian, and convert communities. The small geographic size of the state enables tight-knit community bonds and strong cooperation between different ethnic groups.
Muslims are spread across the state’s three counties:
-
New Castle County – The largest concentration of Muslims, especially in Newark, Wilmington, and Bear.
-
Kent County – A growing community in Dover, home to active student and military populations.
-
Sussex County – A smaller but expanding community supported by recent migration and new businesses.
Mosques and Islamic Centers in Delaware
Despite its size, Delaware hosts over a dozen mosques and Islamic centers, serving both urban and rural populations. Some of the main institutions include:
New Castle County
-
Islamic Society of Delaware (ISD) – Newark
-
Masjid Isa ibn Maryam – Newark
-
Masjid Ibrahim – Dover
-
Masjid Baitul Mukarram (Bangladeshi community) – Newark
-
Tarbiyah School & Masjid – Newark
Kent County
-
Islamic Society of Central Delaware – Dover
-
Masjid Al-Kauthar – Dover (active African American community)
Sussex County
-
Georgetown Islamic Center – Georgetown
-
Masjid Al-Ansar – Lewes area
These centers host daily prayers, Friday sermons, Quran classes, weekend schools, youth programs, and charitable initiatives.
Education and Youth Engagement
Delaware’s Muslim community places a strong emphasis on education. Institutions like:
-
Tarbiyah Academy
-
Islamic Academy of Delaware
-
Delaware Muslim Academy
provide Islamic schooling alongside state-accredited academics. Colleges such as the University of Delaware maintain active Muslim Student Associations (MSAs), promoting leadership and interfaith engagement.
Community Service and Charitable Work
Muslims in Delaware are highly active in humanitarian work. Programs include:
-
food banks and soup kitchens
-
refugee support programs
-
Ramadan iftar distributions
-
winter coat drives
-
blood donation campaigns
-
interfaith peace dialogues
Organizations like IMAC (Islamic Muslim Action Committee) and CAIR-Delaware play important roles in advocacy, civil rights protection, and civic participation.
Political and Civic Participation
Delaware’s Muslim community has become more politically engaged, especially in Wilmington and Newark. Muslims serve on city councils, school boards, and state advocacy groups, working on issues such as:
-
affordable housing
-
education reform
-
anti-discrimination protections
-
interfaith cooperation
-
immigrant support policies
Annual “Muslim Day at the Capitol” events foster direct engagement with lawmakers.
Cultural Integration and Interfaith Relations
Muslims in Delaware participate actively in interfaith partnerships with local churches, synagogues, and civic groups. Events such as:
-
“Open Mosque Day”
-
interfaith iftars
-
peace marches
-
social justice forums
strengthen understanding and community cohesion in the state.
Challenges Facing Delaware’s Muslim Community
While the community continues to grow, several challenges persist:
-
limited number of large Islamic centers
-
Islamophobia incidents, including bullying of Muslim students
-
insufficient Islamic burial spaces
-
rising housing costs in New Castle County
-
the need for expanded youth programs
Despite these challenges, the Muslim community in Delaware remains resilient and deeply committed to building a peaceful, thriving future.
A Community Rooted in Faith and Service
From Wilmington to Dover and down to Sussex County, Muslims in Delaware continue to shape the social, cultural, and civic landscape of the state. Their contributions to education, charity, business, and interfaith understanding reflect a vibrant community that is steadily expanding and gaining recognition.