SR 899: Shia Ismaili Muslim Community and the month of Ramadan and Navroz; commemorate

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It commends the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community for its contributions to Georgia, noting its members' roles as business owners, educators, healthcare providers, and civic volunteers, and highlights the community service organization Ismaili CIVIC's partnerships with groups like the American Red Cross of Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The resolution also marks two occasions: the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, described as a time of reflection and charity, and Navroz, the Persian New Year and spring equinox celebration observed on March 21, 2026. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press, but it does not create any new legal requirements, funding, or penalties.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community for its contributions to Georgia and the global community.
• Commemorates the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Persian New Year holiday of Navroz, observed on March 21, 2026.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute, and carries no funding, penalties, or enforcement mechanism.

The resolution names the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community in Georgia, including its members who work as business owners, educators, healthcare providers, and professionals, as well as the Georgia Senate and Secretary of the Senate, who are directed to distribute copies of the resolution.

As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its significance is symbolic: it publicly acknowledges a specific religious and cultural community's contributions to the state and marks two of its important observances in the official Senate record.

• Whereas clauses describe the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community's global scope, spiritual leadership, and presence in Georgia.
• Whereas clauses describe the community service organization Ismaili CIVIC's partnerships with Georgia nonprofits such as the American Red Cross of Georgia and United Way of Greater Atlanta.
• The resolving clause states the Senate's recognition and commendation of the community and commemoration of Ramadan and Navroz.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-03-04Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)Primary sponsor
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)

• Shia Ismaili Muslim Community
• Ramadan
• Navroz
• Georgia Senate resolution
• religious and cultural recognition