Washington(The COW News Digital)A historic milestone was marked in the United States as Ghazala Hashmi took the oath of office as the country’s first Muslim woman to serve as a lieutenant governor, swearing her oath on the Holy Quran. The ceremony symbolized a significant step forward for religious diversity and inclusive representation in American politics.
The oath-taking took place in the state of Virginia, where the inauguration ceremony also reflected broader political firsts. For the first time in the state’s history, the office of governor has been assumed by a woman. Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia’s new governor, while Jay Jones became the state’s first Black attorney general.
Ghazala Hashmi’s appointment as lieutenant governor is being widely hailed as a landmark achievement, particularly for Muslim Americans and other minority communities. Her decision to take the oath on the Quran underscored the constitutional principle of religious freedom and highlighted the growing acceptance of diverse faiths in public life across the United States.
The inauguration events included an interfaith prayer breakfast, emphasizing unity and coexistence among different religious communities. Imam Sharif led a special prayer, calling for harmony, justice, and collective progress within the state. The presence of interfaith leaders sent a strong message about mutual respect and shared civic values.
Several prominent community leaders and lawmakers attended the ceremony, including Senator Saddam Azlan Salim and Senator Kanaan. The event also featured a ceremonial parade, with participation from the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts, reflecting civic engagement and youth involvement. The parade was led by Rizwan Jaka, Ahsanullah, Bethany Rashid, and other community representatives.
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Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan Jaka expressed hope that the new leadership would promote unity, inclusion, and diversity throughout Virginia. He noted that the inauguration represented not just a political transition, but a reaffirmation of shared democratic ideals.
Mansoor Qureshi, Chair of the Governor’s Asian American Advisory Board, also voiced optimism about the future. He said he expects the governor, lieutenant governor, and the entire cabinet to serve all residents of Virginia without discrimination, with special attention to historically underrepresented communities, including South Asian Americans.
Observers say Hashmi’s swearing-in marks a defining moment in American political history, reflecting a broader shift toward representation that mirrors the country’s multicultural society.
