(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 11/7/2019) — The Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today announced the release of its first “Guide to Islam and Muslims in Oklahoma.”
CAIR-OK’s new publication contains information about Islamic theology, common Muslim religious practices, an overview of Islamic centers and schools in the state, and documentation of social and civic involvement of the Oklahoma Muslim community. Additionally, the guide provides information on the history of Islamophobia in Oklahoma, including examples of discrimination, anti-Muslim propaganda, harassment, and physical violence directed at Muslims.
“This guide presents an opportunity for our fellow Oklahomans to understand the Islamic faith and the diverse community of Muslims in our state,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “It is our hope that elected officials, journalists, academics, and many more will use this as a resource to build bridges between communities and dispel myths and misunderstandings about the world’s second largest religion.”
“While our years in operation in Oklahoma have shown us many examples of Islamophobia, bigotry, and hatred, they have also been years of growth in our interfaith and social justice missions,” said Soltani. “We hope that this guide can open more opportunities to shed light on ignorance and gain a better understanding of the realities of Islam and Muslims in Oklahoma.”
SEE: Guide to Islam and Muslims in Oklahoma
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/guide-to-islam-and-muslims-in-oklahoma/
CAIR-OK’s new guide is being released in advance of the anticipated rise of Islamophobia expected during the 2020 election cycle. Islamophobia has peaked in recent election years, with the 2016 Presidential elections showing an increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric from candidates and hate crimes against Muslims, including damage to mosques and physical violence, surging post-election.
SEE: 2018 CAIR National Civil Rights Report: Targeted
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/targeted/
The information in this guide is designed to assist the reader in having a better understanding of the Islamic faith and Muslim community in Oklahoma. This is a first of its kind guide compiled over the course of several years documenting the growing diversity of Oklahoma’s Muslim community and the many contributions that Muslims make to the state. It should be noted that it is intended only as a guide, and individual observances may vary.
In 2017, the CAIR-OK Civil Rights Department also produced Guides to Islamic Religious Practices for educators and for healthcare professionals, joining the guides for employers that were released in 2016. The guides outline basic Islamic religious practices and suggest best practices for teachers, administrators, and healthcare professionals to use in supporting their Muslim students, clients, patients, and families. The guides are all available free of charge from the Civil Rights Department.
SEE: Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/the-healthcare-providers-guide-to-islamic-religious-practices/
SEE: Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/an-educators-guide-to-islamic-religious-practices/
SEE: Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/an-empoyers-guide-to-islamic-religious-practices/
For a physical copy of the Civil Rights Report or the Guides to Islamic Religious Practices, contact CAIR-OK at info@ok.cair.com.
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.