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Muslim American Heritage Month celebrates and explores the impact and achievements of Muslim Americans in the United States. Canada also observes Muslim Heritage Month in October. Muslim Americans currently account for 1% of the US population (Pew Research 2016) and will continue to grow as a community over the next century. A SHORT HISTORY OF MUSLIM AMERICANS The first Muslim in America came in 1528 when the slave ship he was on was shipwrecked. Estevanico of Morroco washed ashore in today's Galveston, Texas. Native Americans welcomed him, and Estevanico lived his life free, becoming a healer and medicine man. The arrival of slavery in the United States in 1619 brought the first wave of Muslims to American shores, though not willingly. An estimated 30% of the slaves arriving from West Africa were originally Muslim and forced to convert to Christianity. Several Muslim Americans fought in the Revolutionary War, including Bampett Muhamad, Peter Salem, and Yusuf ben Ali. President Jefferson kept a copy of and consulted the Qur'an and other texts in drafting the US Constitution. He was the first acting president to participate in an iftar, breaking the fast during the holy month of Ramadan with the Ambassador of Tunisia in 1809. The first country in the world to recognize the United States as a nation was a Muslim majority country, the Sultanate of Morocco, in 1777. During the civil rights movement in the United States, segments of African Americans seeking to reclaim their heritage began converting to Islam. Approximately 30% of the current African American Islamic community in the US converted within the past seventy years. The decline and eventual fall of the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the first formal wave of Muslims to the United States who were not part of the slave trade. These men and women came predominantly from Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and Turkey. Due to their light skin tone, many changed their names before arriving and did not present as Muslim. They assimilated within white culture, practiced privately, and thus avoided many of the racist laws of the time. After WWII, turbulence in the Middle East and Persia, the establishment of Israel, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the rise in authoritarianism, especially after 1979, have increased the number of Muslims seeking a new life in the United States. The first mosque in the United States was created in 1921 outside of Detroit in the Highland Park neighborhood. The oldest standing mosque in the United States is the Al Sadiq Mosque in Chicago, Illinois, commissioned in 1922. Today, Muslim Americans are a vastly diverse group with 25% of African heritage, 26% Arab, 34% South Asian, and 15% other. Like Christianity, the faith has many different faces. Sunni, Shi'a, and to a lesser degree, Sufi are the primary divisions (think Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox). Within these groups are various interpretations and doctrinal customs, and what binds them together are the five pillars of Islam: Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm) Praying five times a day (Salah) Charity (Zakat) Pilgrimage (Hajj) Belief in one God, with Mohammed as his prophet (Shahada). ISLAM, CHRISTIANITY, AND JUDAISM: ABRAHAMIC COUSINS IN FAITH Islam teaches it is a continuation of Hebrew and Christian beliefs, and it follows many of the Hebrew customs of the Old Testament. Examples include: Halal (kosher) eating Structured prayer times and rituals Faith-based law (Jewish Halacha and Islamic Sharia) Conservative dress/head covering Christians and Muslims believe in Jesus Christ, with Islam seeing Him as a prophet rather than the Messiah. When His name is spoken in the faith, like the names of Abraham, Moses, and Mohammed, the words "Peace be upon him" (PBUH) follow. It is a sign of respect. The Virgin Mary is revered above all women in Islam; the virgin birth is acknowledged, as is the crucifixion, but not the resurrection. Both faiths believe Jesus will return. All three faiths recognize the first five books of the Old Testament, The Pentateuch to Christians (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), with some differences in interpretation. The Hebrew faith includes these in its book, the Torah, and Islam has them in its holy book, the Qur'an or Koran. Like Catholicism before the 1960s, when mass was conducted in Latin, Islam is primarily taught in its original language, Arabic. The word for God in Arabic is Allah, and the word for God in Latin is Deus, and both refer to the same God in the Torah and Old Testament. This month is an opportunity to get to know your Muslim neighbors and support them as part of the American dream. Islam entered the American experience before the Mayflower (1620), and it will continue to grow with the nation. By 2050 sociologists expect Islam to surpass Christianity as the most widely worshipped faith in the world. Curious about the Muslim experience in the US? The first four chapters of Peter Oborne's 2022 book, "The Fate of Abraham," covers this and is highly recommended. The description is here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Fate-of-Abraham/Peter-Oborne/9781398501041.

Africa

Oct

National Day, (CN)(1949): October 1

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National Day in China marks the anniversary of October 1, 1949, the official founding of the Peoples Republic of China. This is a national holiday.

Africa

Oct

National Day, (TV)(1978): October 1

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National Day in Tuvalu marks the anniversary of October 1, 1978, the official day the island nation achieved independence from Britain. National Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Oct

Non-GMO Month, Ntl.: October

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NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH: PROMOTING AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF GENETIC MODIFICATION Every October, the United States observes National Non-GMO Month. This crucial initiative is not just about raising awareness about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply, but also about empowering consumers to make informed, conscious choices. It encourages us all to understand the foods we buy and consume, and the impact they have on our health and the environment. National Non-GMO Month was established by the Non-GMO Project, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007. The project's mission is to build and protect a non-GMO food supply, and it does this by providing consumers with verified non-GMO choices through their product labeling program. This month-long event serves as a platform for educating the public and enhancing transparency in food labeling, giving us all the confidence to make non-GMO choices. GMO foods are those that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering, a process not possible in nature or traditional cross-breeding. Scientists select specific genes to be transferred from one organism to another, often across different species, to imbue the recipient organism with desirable traits such as resistance to pests or herbicides. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are widely used in various crops around the world to improve yield, enhance resistance to pests and diseases, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses. Here are some of the top foods that commonly use GMO technology: —Soybeans: GMO soybeans dominate the market in many countries, especially in the United States. These are engineered to resist herbicides, making it easier for farmers to control weeds without damaging the crops. Corn: Much of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified for herbicide resistance and increased resistance to pests like the European corn borer. This corn is used in a wide array of products, including corn syrup, animal feed, and direct food products. —Canola: GMO canola is designed to resist certain herbicides, allowing for easier weed control. Canola oil is a common product derived from genetically modified canola. —Cotton: While not a food product, cottonseed oil is a byproduct of cotton used in food. GMO cotton is modified to resist insects and tolerate herbicides. —Sugar Beets: A significant percentage of sugar beets grown are genetically modified to be herbicide-resistant. Sugar beets are a substantial source of sugar in the U.S. —Alfalfa: Genetically modified to resist herbicides, GMO alfalfa is primarily used as animal feed, especially for dairy cows. —Papaya: In Hawaii, the papaya industry has been saved mainly by developing GMO papaya resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. —Squash: Certain squash varieties are genetically modified to resist viruses that could otherwise devastate crops. —Apples: Specific varieties of apples are genetically engineered to resist browning when cut or bruised. These are marketed under names like Arctic Apples. —Potatoes: Some potato varieties are genetically modified to resist bruising and specific pathogens, reducing waste and using chemical sprays. These GMO foods have been adopted in various regions for their agronomic benefits. However, they continue to be subject to public debate and regulatory review regarding their safety and impact on health and the environment. CRITICS Critics of GMO foods argue they can lead to unintended health and environmental impacts. Concerns include potential allergenicity, gene transfer to non-target species, and increased use of chemical herbicides, which may lead to herbicide-resistant weed populations. Additionally, ethical concerns about manipulating genetic material across species boundaries and large corporations' consolidation of patent ownership are frequently cited. GMO vs. HYBRIDIZATION It's important to distinguish GMO foods from those produced through hybridization, a natural process used for centuries. Hybridization involves cross-breeding two related species to create a new plant that shares traits from both parent plants. This process occurs within the boundaries of natural reproductive methods and does not involve the insertion of genes from other species. National Non-GMO Month aims to enlighten the public about the significant differences between GMO and non-GMO products. This understanding is crucial in making informed food choices that align with our health and environmental values. The month encourages critical thinking about the impacts of genetically modified crops on health and the environment. It promotes transparency in food labeling so consumers can make informed choices and advocates for the availability of non-GMO options in the marketplace. By participating in National Non-GMO Month, consumers, retailers, and advocates come together to support the availability of non-GMO choices. Retailers play a crucial role in stocking and promoting non-GMO products, while advocates contribute to the public discourse and awareness. This collective effort fosters a diverse and informed food culture. The event highlights the importance of personal choice in diet and encourages discussions about sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.

Africa

Oct

Organize Your Medical Information Month: October

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October is the month to get your medical and health information in order. Do you know where your medical records are? Have you had all your immunizations? Staying active and informed about your health care and records ensures you receive the preventative care you need now and if you ever move or change jobs. Use Organize Your Medical Information Month to get your papers in order.

Africa

Oct

Orthodontic Health Month, Ntl.: October

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October is National Orthodontic Health Month. Promoted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), this month seeks to educate on the services provided by orthodontists and the treatments available.

Africa

Oct

Pasta Month, Ntl.: October

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OVER 3000 YEARS AGO, THE GREEKS WERE ON TO SOMETHING! WORLD PASTA MONTH World Pasta Month, a celebration deeply rooted in the world's cultural fabric, honors one of the most beloved foods. Spearheaded by the National Pasta Association (NPA), this month-long event invites food enthusiasts to delve into pasta's versatility, experiment with new recipes, and appreciate its cultural significance. The NPA's mission is to promote pasta's nutritional benefits and its role in a balanced diet, while also shining a light on its rich history and global appeal. NOODLES VS PASTA Pasta, often confused with noodles, has distinct characteristics that set it apart. While both pasta and noodles are made from dough, the key difference lies in the ingredients and preparation methods. Pasta is traditionally made from durum wheat semolina and water, giving it a firm texture and a golden hue. In contrast, noodles can be made from various flours, including rice, wheat, and mung bean, and are often softer and more delicate. Pasta traces back to ancient civilizations. Despite persistent legends, the explorer Marco Polo did not introduce pasta to Italy. GREECE APPEARS TO BE THE ORIGIN OF PASTA The ancient Greeks first wrote about pasta nearly 3,000 years ago. Later, the lauded Roman statesman and poet Cicero documented his love for spaghetti and his propensity to overindulge. When archaeologists uncovered the remains of the first-century eruptions of Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna, they found spaghetti and the instruments used to make it. During this period, and well before the Islamic era, Arab cultures of the Gulf and Levant fashioned dried pasta in strips. Arabians of western Asia were nomadic peoples who shared their version of dried pasta throughout East, South, and West Asia. When Islam conquered Sicily in June 827 CE, the culinary arts of Europe and Asia met. To this day, they share similarities in cuisine. During the 12th century, Abu Abdullah Mohammed al Idrisi wrote about the importance of spaghetti to Sicilian culture in "The Book of Roger," specifically mentioning the town of Trabia in Sicily. Here, the natives made the dough using hard wheat into long strands that they then exported to other areas. A century later, Marco Polo traveled to China and lived there for several years, and he may have carried spaghetti with him. The Chinese also create noodles, not from wheat but from rice. Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine. Today, pasta is enjoyed in many forms and dishes, reflecting the diverse cultures that have embraced it. YUMMY PASTA DISHES The five most popular pasta dishes globally are: —Spaghetti Bolognese A classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti served with a rich meat-based sauce. —Macaroni and Cheese An American comfort food favorite, combining macaroni pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. —Lasagna This dish is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, featuring layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce baked to perfection. —Penne Arrabbiata A spicy Italian dish made with penne pasta and a fiery tomato-based sauce. —Fettuccine Alfredo A creamy, indulgent dish of fettuccine pasta tossed in a sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. World Pasta Month allows food lovers to celebrate this versatile ingredient, experiment with new pasta dishes, and appreciate the cultural heritage behind each bite. Whether enjoyed in a simple tomato sauce or a complex baked dish, pasta continues to be a culinary favorite worldwide.

Africa

Oct

Pedestrian Safety Month: October

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Everyone is a pedestrian at some point, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration established October as its month to teach pedestrian safety. In 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic incidents in the United States, which accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2018, equating to a traffic-related pedestrian death every 84 minutes.

Africa

Oct

Pescatarian Month, Ntl.: October

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National Pescatarian Month seeks to build awareness about the health benefits of eating seafood and fish. Pescatarianism is a dietary choice wherein a person eats fish and other seafood but does not consume the meat of other animals. Many pescatarians also eat plant-based foods, dairy, and eggs focusing on the potential benefits of a pescatarian diet, which includes a low-fat content and high protein intake, and the environmental impact of different food choices. Pescatarianism can be part of a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle. It's essential to ensure that the seafood consumed is sustainably sourced to avoid contributing to overfishing and damaging aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, concerns about mercury levels in fish and other seafood mean that it's vital to choose seafood wisely.

Africa

Oct

Pet Wellness Awareness Month, Ntl.: October

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Initiated in 2004, National Pet Wellness Month seeks to educate pet parents on the benefits of twice-a-year health exams, the aging process for various breeds/species, and best practices in pet health. Annually in October with nationwide participation by local veterinarians.

Africa

Oct

Pharmacist Month, American: October

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October is American Pharmacist Month and a chance to show appreciation for all pharmacists do for us. This profession touches millions of lives, both saved and enhanced, each year. Take this opportunity to learn more about the vocation and how pharmacists enhance our daily lives.

Africa

Oct

Photographer Appreciation Month: October

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Photographer Appreciation Month encourages shutterbugs to put their cameras to work and go wild. For the rest of us, it's a month to smile, wink, and enjoy the flashes!

Africa

Oct

Physical Therapy Month, Ntl.: October

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National Physical Therapy Month is promoted by a number of physical therapy organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association. This month-long event encourages people to invest in themselves through physical therapy and support those currently undergoing it.

Africa

Oct

Pickled Peppers Month: October

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Pickled Peppers Month is a tongue-twister of a rather tasty event. Will you make this a literary or food holiday month? Let's start with literary: How fast can you say it? "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?" This poem was published in 1813 in John Harris' Peter Piper's Practical Principles of Plain and Perfect Pronunciation. You can read the entire book through Project Gutenberg at http://archive.org/stream/peterpiperspract25027gut/pg25027.txt. And the food portion? What are pickled peppers? Pickling has been used for centuries to preserve harvested foods long before refrigerators existed. Pickled peppers are used as a seasoning in salads, burgers, and sandwiches. October is toward the end of the pepper season in the northern hemisphere, and pickling is one way to extend the harvest. Pickled Peppers Month is an unofficial event with no sponsor. It may be based upon the anniversary of the publishing of Peter Piper's Practical Principles in 1813; we cannot find the original title page with available resources.

Africa

Oct

Pink Ribbon Breakfast (AU): October

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Fight breast cancer and have a delightful breakfast with your mates! Choose any day in October to host a pink ribbon breakfast. To get started, register your event with the Breast Cancer Foundation, Plan your event and sit down to eat with your friends. It's as easy as 1-2-3, and all proceeds go to fight breast cancer and cancer research.

Africa