Editorial: American Muslims and Thanksgiving

November 24, 2002

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On November 24, 2002 St. Louis Post-Dispatch printed an editorial by Ghazala Hayat that stated, "as a Muslim, I thank for all the bounties from God every day. As an American, I look forward to the holiday; children come home; friends are also in town. I hear the familiar laughs and the door opens and closes often. The dinner is traditional: kosher turkey, corn, cranberries and pumpkin pie. We almost always have friends to join us. As first-generation immigrants, most of us do not have parents or relatives living in America, and friends in the community are considered family. For the last three years, the holiday falls during the month of Ramadan (fasting). We have adjusted the schedule by breaking fast at sunset, and after prayers, turkey is served. Thanksgiving and July Fourth give me a feeling of inclusiveness with the nation. My family and I are thankful for health, successes in life, hardworking and respectful children and love of our family. I pray, in spite of these hard times, we are able to cherish and enrich ourselves from diversity and follow the principles this country was built on by the Founding Fathers."