Oklahoma Muslims Seek Greater Understanding

March 9, 2009

Author: William F. O'Brien

Source: The Edmond Sun

http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/local_story_068221249.html

Oklahoma Council of American Islamic Relations Director Razi Hashmi told the members of that organization at their third annual dinner last week that many Muslims came to this state seeking a better life. And on the whole, he said, they have succeeded in that endeavor.

Hashmi reminded them that the more than 30,000 Muslims now found throughout Oklahoma are physicians, attorneys, engineers, professors and successful business people. There is now a second generation of Muslims who have been raised in Oklahoma and are pursuing careers here. Hashmi, who is the son of a thoracic surgeon who came to Oklahoma decades ago from Pakistan, is among that group.

Young men who are members of Islamic student associations from the campuses of Oklahoma City University and the University of Central Oklahoma served as ushers at the event.

The CAIR director spoke of recent surveys done by several polling firms that indicate followers of Islam are among the most affluent and educated members of American society.

He also spoke of a verse from the Koran that mandates, “As such as do not fight against you on account of faith, and neither drive you from your homelands, God does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave towards them with full equity, for verily, God loves those who act equitably.” In accordance with that instruction, Hashmi explained how his organization has built alliances with others in the state and nation to create better understanding of Islam and to protect the civil liberties of all citizens.