(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 6/26/14) – On Saturday, June 28, the Council on American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma chapter (CAIR-OK) will be launching a new website in conjunction with the start of the month of Ramadan, that will afford Oklahomans an opportunity to request a free copy of the Holy Qur’an. This will mark the beginning of CAIR-OK’s “Know the Qur’an” campaign, an educational effort focused on increasing awareness of Islam and Muslims in our state through sharing of Islam’s Holy Scripture.

SEE: Know the Qur’an site
http://knowthequran.cairoklahoma.com/

CAIR-OK’s initiative was prompted by the steep rise in Islamophobia in recent years in Oklahoma as well as throughout the United States. Since 2010, Oklahoma Muslims have faced challenges with anti-Muslim legislation, mosque vandalism, anti-Muslim hate crimes, and more. With this new campaign, CAIR-OK aims to enhance an understanding of an integral part of Oklahoma’s faith community through the Qur’an.

“One doesn’t have to be Muslim to appreciate the beauty of Islam’s holiest text,” said CAIR-OK Development Coordinator Thomaira Babbit. “Like any religious readings, things taken out of context can always be used as false and misguided justification for particular actions and intolerance; however, when one has a thirst for knowledge and seeks to explore the true messages of wisdom, understanding, compassion, and peace, the Qur’an can serve as a beacon and offer personal and spiritual guidance, as well as fulfillment.”

In September 2012, CAIR-OK held a similar educational campaign following the release of an Islamophobic video attacking the character of the Prophet Muhammad and the unfortunate incidents in Benghazi that resulted. With CAIR-OK’s “Know the Legacy” campaign, the aim was to enhance the understanding of the life of the Prophet Muhammad through the distribution of thousands of copies of “Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet” DVD across the state.

SEE: CAIR-OK works to explain Muhammad’s legacy
http://www.cairoklahoma.com/blog/cairok_works_to_explain_muhammads_legacy.html

CAIR-Oklahoma is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialog, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Follow CAIR-Oklahoma on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/cairoklahoma
Like CAIR-Oklahoma on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/cairoklahoma
Visit CAIR-Oklahoma on the web:
www.cairoklahoma.com

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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Development Coordinator Thomaira Babbit, 405-326-0239, tbabbit@cair.com