Illinois Muslims:

Needs, Assets, and Opportunities

Who are Illinois Muslims, and what are their assets and needs? What opportunities exist for leaders, officials, volunteers, policymakers, corporations, media members, and social/civic/philanthropic organizations on how best to understand and support the Muslim community in Illinois?

This report presents an empirical assessment of the strengths and struggles of the Illinois Muslim community, with a comparison to the Illinois general public.

Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois

A Historic Study

This report presents an empirical assessment of the strengths and struggles of the Illinois Muslim community based on nearly 1,800 completed surveys collected from October 15, 2021 to January 31, 2022, with a comparison to the Illinois general public, and four focus groups with Illinois Muslims held between March 22 and March 25. The focus groups consisted of two with Muslim respondents of any age, race or ethnicity, one with African American Muslims only, and one with young adults aged 18-29. The topics examined, in both the survey and focus groups, were curated with community stakeholder input to reflect the priorities of those impacted.

This report is the product of three years of tireless effort by Illinois leaders and researchers to define, fund, and execute this historic study. This research was convened by the IL Muslim Civic Coalition and partners and conducted by the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at the University of Illinois Chicago (IPCE) and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). The results of this research can help guide leaders, officials, volunteers, policymakers, corporations, and social/civic organizations on how best to understand and support Muslim communities in Illinois. This report has deep implications across the nation.

Illinois Muslims: Full Digital Report

IL Muslim Civic Coalition Resources

Report Partner Organizations

This research was convened by the IL Muslim Civic Coalition and partners and conducted by the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at the University of Illinois Chicago (IPCE) and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU).

IL Muslim Civic Coalition

The IL Muslim Civic Coalition is a partnership of Activists, Influencers, and Organizations. The Coalition convenes, collaborates, and amplifies social and civic efforts with diverse and underrepresented races, faiths, and communities. We do this critical work through integrated initiatives that drive us towards Equity and Civic Justice.

Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

ISPU provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. Our research aims to educate the general public and enable community change agents, the media, and policymakers to make evidence-based decisions.

Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at the University of Illinois Chicago (IPCE)

IPCE focuses on transforming democracy by creating a more fully engaged community with more effective leaders. As a catalyst for learning and action, the Institute creates opportunities for scholars, students, community members and government officials to actively participate in social discourse, research, and educational programs on policy issues and social trends.

Report Sponsors

We would like to acknowledge our generous supporters whose contributions made this report possible, including:

Lead sponsor: Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)

Sponsoring organizations include: IL Muslim Civic Coalition, The Field Foundation, Bank of America, Waraich Family Fund, Pillars Fund, Affinity Health, MAC Corporation, The Chicago Cubs, Zakat Foundation of America, Movement Voter Project, Tides Foundation, Zakat Chicago, The Mecca Center

Sponsoring families and individual include: Mazen Asbahi and Lena Shahbandar, Kamran Family, Imad and Linda Kamran, Zaher Sahloul and Suzanne Akhras, Sayeed and Alimuddin Family, Mohammad Shamim Mozaffar Fund, Safaa Zarzour and Family

Survey translations were generously provided by Saduddin Noorani, Interpreter.

Thank you to the Illinois Muslims Report Task Force members, who were key to this historic report. Special thanks to the IL Muslim Civic Coalition board members and community leaders who provided input and great support throughout the process. Finally, thank you to all the partners and allies who shared the survey and recruitment notices, as well as those who participated in the research.

Illinois Muslims: Report Downloads

Full Report and Key Findings

Illinois Muslims: Full Report
Dalia Mogahed
06 July, 2022
Illinois Muslims: Key Findings
Dalia Mogahed
06 July, 2022

Supplementary Documents

Appendix A: Report Questionnaire

Appendix B: Data Tables

Appendix C: Methodology

Appendix D: IL Muslims Civic Coalition Task Force

WEBINAR SERIES

American Muslim Poll 2020

Watch these webinars for scholarly and expert analysis of our survey results.

October 1 @ 3 p.m. EDT – Civic Engagement

October 8 @ 3 p.m. EDT – Islamophobia

October 15 @ 3 p.m. EDT – Political Coalition Building

October 22 @ 3 p.m. EDT – Discrimination and Bullying

Infographics

Graphs for Illinois Muslims: Needs, Assets, and Opportunities

Click here to download all 44 graphs.

Age, Race, Location, Faith Background

Education, Politics, Identity

Food and Health Access

Family Dynamics

Finances, Charity, and Addiction

Faith Community, Racial and Gender Discrimination

Employment

Civic Engagement

Religious Discrimination and Bullying

Infographic for Illinois Muslims: Needs, Assets, and Opportunities

Graphs for Illinois Muslims: Needs, Assets, and Opportunities

Click here to download all 44 graphs and figures.

Infographics

Podcast Overview

This episode of Deep Dives with ISPU was recorded with Dr. Dilara Sayeed of the IL Muslim Civic Coalition and Dr. Joseph Hoereth of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement, interviewed by ISPU Director of Research, Dalia Mogahed.