The New York City Council made headlines on Thursday when it opened its meeting with an invocation praising Allah, the supreme deity in Islam. Imam Abdoulazakou Traore of the Darou Salam Islamic Community Inc. led the council in prayer, starting with an Arabic recitation followed by an English translation that highlighted reverence for Allah as the “Lord of the world” and sought guidance for the city’s lawmakers.
The Muslim population in New York City is estimated to be between 800,000 and 1,000,000, with some sources suggesting numbers as high as 1.4 million. This demographic makes New York home to the largest Muslim population in the country, according to WiseVoter.
During his invocation, Imam Traore recited Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, which holds significance for Muslims around the globe. The English translation of the prayer emphasized praising Allah, seeking guidance, and following the straight path.
The council’s decision to begin the meeting with a Muslim prayer sparked a range of reactions online. Some social media users questioned the separation of church and state, while others expressed concerns about the perceived favoritism towards a specific religion in a government setting.
Here are some of the comments circulating online:
– “Where are all of the ‘separation of church and state’ lefties now?”
– “Judging by the condition of things in NY, they’re praying to the wrong God.”
– “America has fallen.”
– “Your country has been invaded, captured and the terrorists are now in control.”
– “So the made-up separation of church and state only matters when Christianity is involved?”
– “New York is a Godless, liberal, anti-American cesspool.”
– “So instead of New York, we should just call it New Palestine?”
It is essential to note that the views, opinions, and comments expressed by social media users are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the publication or its staff.
The controversy surrounding the council’s decision to open with a Muslim prayer highlights ongoing debates about religion’s role in public settings and the interpretation of the separation of church and state. As discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how this event will impact future council meetings and public perceptions of religious diversity in New York City.
