Omar Ahmad, the former director of one of the more established Muslim activist groups in the United States, has won a city council seat in San Carlos, Calif., according to this morning’s San Mateo Daily News.
Ahmad’s success raises two big questions: Will more Muslims run for office in 2008? And on what holy scripture, if any, will he take his solemn oath?
According to his campaign website, Ahmad is a “serial entrepreneur” and tech wiz who played major roles in companies like Napster and Netscape. He’s also not to be confused with Omar Ahmed, the founder of the Council of American-Islamic Relations. Ahmad with an “a” recently headed American Muslims Intent on Learning and Activism, a San Francisco / San Jose area group formed in the early 90s. Despite its regional focus, “AMILA” is well know to many Muslims across America for being one of the first groups not afraid to openly address issues like domestic violence and poverty within the Muslim community, and to make local activism and volunteerism a central part of its mission.
According to the Shahed Amanullah, editor at the Muslim e-zine AltMuslim.com (and former AMILA official now based in Austin, Tx.) Ahmad edged out a rival by 12 votes to take one of two available council seats.