Ohio Statehouse celebrates annual iftar with the community

By TMO STAFF

COLUMBUS, Ohio–As the month of Ramadan continues, Ohioans from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Statehouse to break their fast with lawmakers. This year, the conversations surrounded the turmoil overseas in Palestine, the meaning of Ramadan, and what lawmakers can do to combat Islamophobia in Ohio.

“I love Ramadan and it’s a holy month where Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown,” said Ohio State Rep. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus). “We observe patience, humility, compassion, and we think about those who have less than us. It’s a really special month, and to have that in the (Ohio) Statehouse, to break their fast with my Muslim community and other community members is so critical.”

State Representative Munira Abdullahi is the only Muslim woman elected in the Ohio legislature. She brought up the Palestinian-Israel situation, and says calling for a ceasefire is critical overseas. She says as a Muslim-leader she always tries to have peaceful conversations regarding the topic with other lawmakers. Abdullahi believes the conversations need to continue so people understand the extent of how the war is impacting humanity.

“I think everyone’s heart is very heavy about the conflict, ” said Abdullahi. “It’s hard to celebrate anything without thinking about the people in Palestine who are in a famine, a man-made famine, and are experiencing ethnic cleansing right now. We need to step up as a community, and continue donations of food; clothing; medical supplies.”

The agenda also included ways to combat Islamophobia in the community. She mentioned how community members are feeling animosity at schools, and feeling like lawmakers are silencing their voice.

“We’re going to talk about how we move forward together as a community in solidarity, ” said Abdullahi. “We need to bring together our community problems, and try to push an agenda with equality for all.”

“We are in the midst of a genocide that we are seeing unfold in front of our screens,” said  Amina Barhumi the Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus and Cincinnati offices. “We break our fast with the knowledge, and awareness that underscores the importance of being able to make sure that our work, as we break our fast, also includes coming together collectively to combat hatred globally.”

Barhumi believes hard times bring the community together, and the month of Ramadan is the best time of reflection.

“We are going to come together collectively to say in strength and unity and power that we will continue to make Ohio and the globe what it needs to be as Muslims,” Barhumi said. ” And, that we can only be collectively liberated if it includes all of us.”

The event concluded with a feast of Indian food, collective prayer, Quran recitation, and speeches from local religious leaders.