Shia Muslim Foundation Commends Senator Gary Peters for Continued Recognition of Muharram and Ashura

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) commends U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) for continuing his public recognition of Muharram and Ashura, reaffirming his support for Michigan's Muslim community and the enduring values represented by the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS).

On June 25, 2026, Senator Peters shared the following message on X in observance of Ashura:

"Wishing peace to all Michiganders observing Ashura today. I hope this solemn day provides you and your loved ones with strength, faith, and time to reflect on stories of profound courage."

The statement continues a pattern of recognizing this sacred period. On July 31, 2023, Senator Peters publicly acknowledged the historical sacrifices of the holy month of Muharram.

On July 16, 2024, he again recognized Muharram, wishing Muslims in Michigan and across the country a meaningful time of reflection during the holy month. These consecutive statements demonstrate an ongoing recognition of an observance that is rarely acknowledged by members of the United States Senate.

Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE after refusing to submit to tyranny and injustice. His sacrifice remains one of history's most enduring symbols of moral courage and principled resistance to oppression. Millions of Americans and Muslims around the world commemorate Ashura each year through mourning, reflection, prayer, charitable service, and community gatherings.

Beyond his public recognition of Muharram and Ashura, Senator Peters has been a longstanding advocate for protecting houses of worship from violence. He authored bipartisan legislation that strengthened and reauthorized the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, helping churches, synagogues, mosques, gurdwaras, and other faith-based institutions obtain federal funding for security improvements, emergency preparedness, and training. He has also repeatedly secured increased funding for the program and supported legislation such as the Pray Safe Act to improve access to security resources for houses of worship facing rising threats from hate-motivated violence.

"Senator Peters has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to recognizing the significance of Muharram and Ashura while also taking concrete legislative action to protect houses of worship from targeted violence," said SMF Executive Director Rahat Husain. "At a time when mosques and other religious institutions continue to face threats motivated by hatred and extremism, his leadership on strengthening the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and supporting the safety of faith communities has benefited Americans of every religion. We thank Senator Peters for continuing to recognize Imam Hussain's timeless message of courage, justice, and sacrifice, and for helping protect the freedom of all Americans to worship safely."

Senator Peters has represented Michigan in the United States Senate since 2015. Michigan is home to one of the largest and most active Muslim communities in the United States, including a vibrant Shia Muslim population that has made lasting contributions to the state's civic, economic, and cultural life.

The Shia Muslim Foundation thanks Senator Peters for his continued recognition of Muharram and Ashura and for his longstanding efforts to help safeguard religious communities across the United States.

Related Statements

• June 25, 2026 Ashura message: https://x.com/SenGaryPeters/status/2070137125903692122

• July 16, 2024 Muharram message: https://x.com/SenGaryPeters/status/1813327942367474045

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