The Sammamish Muslim Association (SMA) would like to thank the Sammamish City Council for reaffirming its pledge to ensure Sammamish is a safe, inclusive, diverse, tolerant and welcoming community for all people.

As Muslim Americans living in Sammamish, we would like council members to know that their proclamation did not go unnoticed; we are very blessed to live in and raise our families among the best neighbors and community here in our Sammamish.

While the national election created feelings of concern among some in our community, it is very heartening to be reminded yet again that we live in a city that is committed to fostering an environment based on the principles and values declared in your proclamation. These principles and values are not only compatible but also mandated by our Muslim faith; therefore we stand with the City Council to strive to uphold and live by them. After all, these are the very principles that have made our country so great.

Our prophet (SAW, peace be upon him) reminds us in one of his sayings that “S/He who does NOT thank people has not thanked Allah [God]”. So thank you again for making our city so welcoming.

Ramadan Chokr

SMA president