Senate Resolution No. 257 BY: Senator JACKSON MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Muslim History Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Muslim History Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Muslim History Month; and WHEREAS, International Muslim History Month was founded by Nazma Khan in 2021, to dismantle Islamophobia globally; this inspirational woman also established World Hijab Day (WHD) in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty, and to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (non-Hijabi Muslims/non-Muslims) to experience the hijab for one day; and WHEREAS, International Muslim History Month was established to educate Muslims of New York and around the world of authentic Islamic history, the events, the personalities, and the contributions which changed society, in the hope all Muslims can bridge their relationship with their non-Muslim neighbors through education and understanding; and WHEREAS, The history of the Muslim faith is full of wonder, built upon the shoulders of giants whose courage did not waver at the thought of being a paradigmatic threat; its past is filled with dreamers, believers, men and women of imagination and innovation; and WHEREAS, Some notable contributions which have daily impacts on modern civilization include: Ibn al-Haitham's scholarship established fundamental principles of optics including the connection between the optic nerve and the brain in the First Century A.D.; algebra originated in Al-Khwarizmi's Kitab al-Jabr Wal-Mugabala, the Book of Reasoning and Balancing; Al-Zahrawi's illustrated medical encyclopedia was in wide use for over 500 years; teaching hospitals as we know them originated in 9th Century Egypt; Fatima al-Firhi established the first-degree granting university in Fez, now in Morocco; in the 9th Century, Abbas ibn Firnas was the first human to successfully achieve flight; and coffee was first brewed in Yemen in the 9th Century; and WHEREAS, Currently, there are Muslim legislators serving in both the New York State Assembly and Senate; and WHEREAS, International Muslim History Month provides an excellent means by which all New Yorkers can learn more about the rich Muslim heritage, while fostering an appreciation for this ancient culture among future generations; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various cultures of people who add to the overall diversity of our State and, on this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the contributions made by the Muslim-American community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Muslim History Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.