SR899: SR899 Shia Ismaili Muslim Community and the month of Ramadan and Navroz; commemorate

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes and commends the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community for its contributions to Georgia and the world, and commemorates two occasions: the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and Navroz, the Persian New Year and spring equinox celebration observed on March 21, 2026. The resolution describes the Ismaili community's size and leadership structure, praises its members' roles as business owners, educators, healthcare providers, and community volunteers in Georgia, and highlights the community's service organization, Ismaili CIVIC, and its partnerships with groups like the American Red Cross of Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community for its contributions to Georgia and the global community.
• Commemorates the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Navroz holiday, marking the Persian New Year and spring equinox on March 21, 2026.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties, since it is a ceremonial statement rather than a change to Georgia law.

The resolution primarily concerns Georgia's Shia Ismaili Muslim Community and the broader Muslim community observing Ramadan, along with the nonprofit and civic organizations, such as the American Red Cross of Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, that partner with the community's service group, Ismaili CIVIC.

While the resolution carries no legal force and changes no Georgia statute, it represents official recognition by the state Senate of a religious and cultural community's presence, contributions, and observances, which can carry symbolic weight for the community and public awareness of its role in Georgia.

• The whereas clauses describe Navroz occurring on March 21, 2026, and Ramadan as a period of reflection tied to the revelation of the Holy Quran.
• The whereas clauses note the Shia Ismaili community numbers about 15 million people across 35 countries under the spiritual leadership of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
• The whereas clauses list Georgia partner organizations the community's service group, Ismaili CIVIC, works with, including the American Red Cross of Georgia and United Way of Greater Atlanta.
• The resolved clause formally commends the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community and commemorates Ramadan and Navroz.
• The final 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)

• Ramadan
• Navroz
• Ismaili Muslim community
• Georgia Senate resolution
• religious commemoration