Muslim prays at Republican Convention

PHILADELPHIA — The Republican National Convention in Philadelphia began July 31 with an opening prayer delivered by a Muslim, a signal of “the growing recognition of American Muslims,” according to the American Muslim Council.

According to the council, Talat Othman, chairman of the Washington, D.C.-based Islamic Institute, was the first Muslim in history to deliver a prayer at a major political party’s national convention.

“It is clear that the Muslim constituency in America plays a vital role in our country’s political process as the community is being increasingly courted by policy makers,” the council declared in a statement. “The visibility and recognition of our community will rise with its increased involvement.”

Aly Abuzaakok, the council’s director, said he hoped Democrats would follow suit.