USA
A significant stride toward acknowledging Islam as a prominent religion, underscoring its contribution to fostering peace and harmony, has been taken by the United States Congress.
The resolution, brought forth by Representative Al Green of Texas and supported by Representatives Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Andre Carson, assumes particular significance amidst renewed efforts to label Islam as an extremist faith. This initiative aims to dissuade anti-Islamic actions, including the desecration of the Holy Quran.
Hailing from Texas, a Democratic stronghold, Mr. Green is not only a key proponent of this resolution but also a member of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. He had vocally opposed former President Trump’s executive order to restrict immigration from Muslim-majority countries and had criticized the 2015 attempt to characterize Islam as an extremist belief system.
Presented to the House on July 28, the resolution seeks to foster enhanced understanding and respect for the Islamic faith within the fabric of American society. It has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further consideration.
The resolution’s content delves into the fundamental principles of Islam and encapsulates the practices and traditions of the global Muslim community. It emphasizes that the term “Islam” signifies “submission to the will of God” and underscores its association with the concept of “peace.”
Furthermore, the resolution extends recognition to the Holy Quran as the foremost scripture in Islam, highlighting Muslims’ belief in it as a divine guide. It draws attention to the fact that Islam, the world’s second-largest religion, is also the fastest-growing, with an estimated two billion adherents worldwide. The United States is home to approximately 3,500,000 Muslims, contributing to the rich tapestry of religious diversity in the nation.
As the resolution advances through the legislative process, it underscores Congress’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and promoting understanding among diverse faiths, thus reaffirming the principles upon which the nation was founded.
