(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 9/14/2023) — The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today announced the release of the second edition of its “Guide to Islam and Muslims in Oklahoma,” which highlights the growth of the Oklahoma Muslim community over the last three decades with a focus on social and civic involvement.
CAIR-OK’s revised publication contains essential details about the basics of Islamic belief, common Muslim religious practices, a comprehensive overview of Islamic centers and educational institutions in the state, and records showcasing the active engagement of the Oklahoma Muslim community in various social and civic endeavors.
The guide also offers insight into the history of Islamophobia in Oklahoma, spotlighting instances of prejudice, anti-Muslim propaganda, mistreatment, harassment, and physical violence targeting Muslims.
SEE: Guide to Islam and Muslims in Oklahoma Second Edition
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/islam-guide-second-edition/
[NOTE: To obtain a physical copy of the Guides to Islamic Religious Practices, contact CAIR-OK at info@ok.cair.com.]
“This guide offers a valuable opportunity for our fellow Oklahomans to gain insights into the Islamic faith and the diverse Muslim community in our state,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “We hope to see elected officials, journalists, academics, and a broader audience utilize this resource to foster connections between communities and dispel misconceptions and unfounded beliefs about the world’s second-largest religion.”
“As we reflect on our years of operation in Oklahoma, we have encountered numerous instances of Islamophobia, prejudice, and hatred. However, these years have also witnessed growth in our endeavors related to interfaith cooperation and social justice,” said Soltani. “We envision this guide as a catalyst for shedding light on ignorance and enhancing the understanding of Islam and the Muslim community in Oklahoma.”
CAIR-OK’s new guide is being released in the shadow of the controversy surrounding the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s decision to partner with PragerU to provide educational content to Oklahoma public schools.
SEE: Oklahoma is promoting a history curriculum using videos by conservative group PragerU
https://www.npr.org/2023/09/08/1198525663/oklahoma-is-promoting-a-history-curriculum-using-videos-by-conservative-group-pr
This guide aims to facilitate a deeper comprehension of Oklahoma’s Islamic faith and Muslim community. This distinctive compilation, painstakingly assembled over several years, chronicles the burgeoning diversity within Oklahoma’s Muslim community and underscores the substantial contributions made by Muslims to the state. It should be noted that it is intended only as a guide, and individual observances may vary.
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: Nicole Baumann, CAIR-OK Advocacy Coordinator, nBaumann@cair.com, 918-805-1191; Adam Soltani, CAIR-OK Executive Director, asoltani@cair.com, 405-248-5853