(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 01/26/2022) — The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed concerns about Islamophobic commentary made during the Jan. 25 Oklahoma City mayoral debate, including language that compared Islam to slavery and called for its eradication.
[NOTE: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAIR-OK makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another. CAIR-OK seeks to empower Muslims through voter registration and get out the vote initiatives. CAIR-OK encourages Muslims and allies to further research the actions of their local representatives before supporting any candidate.]
WATCH: OKC Mayoral Candidate Compares Islam to Slavery, Says Must Be Eradicated
https://youtu.be/3Sw8B9lamVQ
“Muslims in Oklahoma are no strangers to attacks on our faith,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “It pains Oklahoma Muslims deeply to hear these words in the largest city in our state and a place that Muslims call home.”
CAIR-OK encourages all mayoral candidates to get to know their Muslim constituents by visiting any of the 6 mosques and Islamic centers in the metro area.
SEE: ‘Educate and unite’: How Oklahoma Muslims Work to Counter Hate, Misinformation on 9/11
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2021/09/11/oklahoma-muslims-combat-anti-islamic-hate-remembering-september-11/5759704001/
He also noted that there exists a long history of respect for Christianity and its followers in the Islamic tradition.
As the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Say: ‘We believe in God and the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and it is to Him that we surrender ourselves.’” (2:136)
CAIR: A Journalist’s Guide to Reporting on Islam and Muslims
https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MediaGuide.pdf
Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout time, all of whom came with the same message and the same teachings. Muhammad was the last of the prophets and the Quran was the final message.
It is for this reason, that CAIR Oklahoma has been an integral part of the growing interfaith community in Oklahoma City over the last two decades.
SEE: CAIR Oklahoma hosts interfaith prayer services at state Capitol with leaders from Christian, Jewish, and Native American faith traditions
https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5623617/interfaith-jummah-prayer-event-held-at-capitol
Metro Faith Community Gathers for New Zealand Prayer Vigil
https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5626176/metro-faith-community-gathers-for-nz-prayer-vigilbrmuslim-leader-vows-to-stand-against-hate
In the most recent months, CAIR-OK has worked alongside a broad coalition across the religious spectrum to welcome 1800 Afghan newcomers to Oklahoma, the largest number per capita of any other state.
SEE: Balancing Safety, Resettlement As Afghan Refugees Arrive in Oklahoma
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/blog/oklahoma-watch-refugees-arrival-means-balancing-safety-resettlement/
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com