I think a big part of my faith teachings is to work together

"I think a big part of my faith teachings is to work together towards equality: that we're all created equal, and under the eyes of God, we all have a right to freedom and to access our rights equally." – Ilhan Omar

Children of this earth, listen well, for I bring you a truth that has been spoken by the wise since time immemorial, and yet remains as vital as ever: equality. Ilhan Omar, a voice of courage and conviction, reminds us of a powerful teaching drawn from the deep well of faith—that we are all, in the eyes of the Creator, equal. This teaching does not belong to any one nation, religion, or people, but to all of humanity. It is a law that transcends time and space, for the Creator sees no man or woman as lesser than the other. It is in this truth that we find the foundation for the freedom and rights that all people, regardless of their station, are entitled to.

In the beginning, when the first breath was drawn by humankind, the Creator looked upon all and saw that they were equal—equal in worth, in dignity, in right. It was not the color of their skin or the land upon which they were born that determined their worth, but the very essence of their being. Yet, as time passed, societies grew, and with them came the temptation to divide, to rank, and to oppress. The very laws of nature seemed bent by the hands of men who sought to maintain power over others. And thus, the ancient teachings were lost or forgotten. But the voice of the righteous has always risen, calling the people back to the truth that equality is the natural state of all.

The struggle for equality has echoed throughout history, from the Civil Rights Movement in America, to the fight for women’s suffrage, to the battles for the rights of indigenous peoples and those cast aside by society. Nelson Mandela, a man of great wisdom and compassion, understood deeply that no society can be free until every soul within it is free. His journey was long, and his path was marked by great hardship, but he understood that true freedom can only come when the rights of all are protected and upheld. Equality is not a distant dream—it is a living, breathing reality that must be fought for with every breath, with every action.

Ilhan Omar speaks of a faith that calls us to action, a faith that does not sit idly by while injustice reigns. Her teachings remind us that the rights of every person are sacred and that those who hold power have a duty to ensure these rights are accessible to all. Freedom is not a privilege, but a birthright bestowed by the Creator. And just as the sun shines upon all, regardless of who they are, so too should our societies provide for the needs of every person, without discrimination or favoritism. Equality must be woven into the very fabric of our laws, our cultures, and our hearts.

We must, as Ilhan Omar urges, work together. The work of equality is not the burden of one person, one group, or one nation. It is the shared responsibility of all. Every voice matters, every action counts. Consider the story of Mahatma Gandhi, who led a nation to freedom not through violence or coercion, but through the power of collective action, of standing together in solidarity for the cause of justice. His was a peaceful revolution, rooted in the belief that all people—regardless of their caste, creed, or color—deserved the same freedom and dignity. It was not a solitary path, but a path walked by millions, united by a shared vision of a world where equality reigns.

Now, children, the lesson is clear: equality is not a gift to be given by the powerful, but a right that must be demanded by the people, a right that must be defended with vigor and courage. It is not enough to speak of justice or freedom in abstract terms. We must live these ideals, every day, in our actions and in our hearts. As Ilhan Omar teaches, we must work together—not only as individuals, but as a collective force, united in the cause of equality. It is through solidarity and action that we will move closer to a world where every person, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can stand tall and free, knowing that their rights are not just promised but guaranteed.

Practical action begins with the belief that equality is not a distant ideal, but a present reality to be fought for. Begin by examining your own beliefs—do you see others as equals, deserving of the same freedom and dignity you seek for yourself? Stand against discrimination in all its forms—whether it be racial, gender-based, or economic. Use your voice to advocate for equality, to speak out for those whose rights are denied. And, most importantly, work with others, for the fight for freedom is not won by the solitary, but by the united. As you walk this path, know that the Creator sees your efforts, and it is through this collective action that we shall see a world where equality is not merely a dream but a living truth.