(BALTIMORE, MD, 4/24/20) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today endorsed a public service campaign launched by the Baltimore City Health Department to encourage faith communities to observe religious holidays safely in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
The graphic includes a Ramadan greeting, and features a Hadith, or a record of prophetic tradition and saying, that encourages self-isolating during a public health crisis.
Mosques across Maryland have canceled prayer services and moved many planned activities online for weeks in accordance with Governor Hogan’s stay-at-home executive order, to help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and risk of transmission.
This has led to logistical challenges during the holy month of Ramadan which is the busiest time of the year for Muslim communities. Many mosques have transitioned to offering “drive thru iftars” and live-streaming sermons and webinars for communities to have some level of connectedness.
SEE: Baltimore Sun Commentary: Ramadan in the Time of Corona: Finding Serenity Amidst the Storm
As the coronavirus pandemic upends Ramadan rituals, Muslims turn to their faith for guidance (ABC News)
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/coronavirus-pandemic-upends-ramadan-rituals-muslims-turn-faith/story
“This Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to experience the blessings of the
month in a unique way,” said Director of CAIR’s Office in Maryland
Zainab Chaudry. “We appreciate the support and well-wishes of government agencies
like the Baltimore City Health Department during these challenging times and
continue to encourage our communities to abide by governmental guidelines of
social distancing until this crisis is resolved.”
The agency issued similar messaging ahead of the Christian and Jewish holidays of Easter and Passover earlier this month.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062