Muslim congresswomen pave way for future generation

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) - The elections of congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar set a path for other Muslim women to be able to pursue careers in American politics, the two said Thursday.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Council of American Islamic Relations, the congresswomen discussed how their elections changed the narrative of Muslims in the country.

"We now feel in many ways that we belong here and this is our country just like anyone else," said Tlaib.

Tlaib and Omar, who are both Democrats, won their races while campaigning on a progressive platform of increasing the minimum wage, environmental advocacy and healthcare coverage for all.

While there have been Muslims in Congress prior to their elections, the two made history by becoming the first Muslim women to hold the office.

"We seek to tell a different story about Muslim women here in the United States of America," Omar said.

"Our young women are now believing that their place is on the House floor," Tlaib said.

The legislators also discussed their faith, mentioning that while they were proud Muslims, they were not perfect.

"I will never be your perfect Muslimah," Tlaib said. "But mashallah, I believe so much in our faith, and it gives me so much strength every day."

The representative was referring to an incident where she used profane language aimed at President Donald Trump, calling for his impeachment.

"I ask Allah to give me strength to get up every single day, because Trump is in my community, and I think to myself 'I'm exposing my faith in such a profound way,’" Tlaib said after shedding tears.