The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), the state’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the opening of new Muslim and Hindu prayer spaces at Harvard University.
Those new prayer spaces will open this fall based on recommendations from two task forces looking at religious life on campus. A room in the Smith Campus Center will be designated as a permanent space for Muslim prayers, or “musallah.”
In a statement, CAIR-MA Executive Director Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., said:
“We commend Harvard University for taking this meaningful step toward supporting the spiritual and religious well-being of its diverse student body. Providing a permanent Muslim prayer space affirms the importance of religious inclusion and ensures that Muslim students feel seen, respected, and supported.
“We also celebrate the simultaneous opening of a Hindu prayer space as a positive indication of the university’s commitment to pluralism and equity for all faith traditions.”
CAIR-MA advocates for the civil rights and religious freedoms of Muslims and all communities. The organization views inclusive access to worship spaces on college campuses as essential to fostering a welcoming and equitable academic environment.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Barbara J. Dougan, Esq., CAIR-MA Legal Director, (781) 281-9992, bdougan@cair.com; Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., CAIR-MA Executive Director, (617) 862-9159, tamatul-wadud@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com