Monitoring Desk
WASHINGTON: In a significant step towards recognising Islam as a major religion and its role in promoting peace and harmony, a resolution has been introduced in US Congress urging lawmakers to give due respect to Islam.
The resolution — introduced by Representative Al Green of Texas and backed by Representatives Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Andre Carson — comes at a time of renewed effort to brand Islam as a radical faith and would discourage anti-Islamic deeds like the desecration of Holy Quran.
Mr Green, a Texas Democrat, is also a member of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. He opposed President Trump’s order to ban immigration from Muslim countries and a 2015 move to brand Islam as a radical faith.
The House received the resolution, which aims to foster better understanding and respect for the Islamic faith within American society, on July 28 and referred it to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The text covers basic tenets of Islam and practices and traditions of the Muslim community, pointing out that the word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God” and “peace”.
It recognises the Holy Quran as the primary scripture of Islam and notes that Muslims consider it to be the book of divine guidance. It also points out that Islam is the second largest and fastest-growing religion of the world, with approximately two billion Muslims worldwide while 3,500,000 Muslims live in the US as well.
The resolution also highlights the Holy Quran’s message of inclusivity, encouraging dialogue and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. By promoting interfaith harmony, the US Congress aims to build bridges and foster a sense of unity among diverse religious communities in the country.
The resolution estimates the Muslim population in the United States to be around 3.5 million, indicating the importance of recognising and respecting their beliefs and practices within the nation’s multicultural fabric.
This landmark decision reflects America’s commitment to embracing diversity and promoting religious freedom, reinforcing the country’s stance as a melting pot of cultures and beliefs. As the resolution moves through Congress, it signifies a hopeful step towards building a more inclusive and harmonious society for all.
