Illinois Muslim Community Celebrates Ill. Muslim Action Day
On March 9, 2011, CAIR helped sponsor the Third Annual Illinois Muslim ACTION! Day (IMAD), coordinated by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC).
A statewide event that convened at the capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, IMAD brought almost 450 Muslims together to discuss issues like equal access to healthcare, housing, immigration rights and education, and particularly the incorporation of Arabic in schools.
Events during this day of civic engagement included a breakfast with legislators, a kickoff rally and citizen advocacy in the statehouse. IMAD 2011 brought the country’s emerging American Muslim Community to the forefront as people of all backgrounds joined together in the capitol to speak to their representatives on issues of concern. There was a keen focus on serving humanity through Muslim values.
Muslim youth, who were highly encouraged to participate in the event, were prevalent in the day’s participation. Dr. Zaher Sahloul, chairman of CIOGC, stated that the day offered an opportunity not only to better the lives of Muslims but also the lives of all within the community.