(WASHINGTON D.C., 3/9/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today encouraged local Muslim community leaders and organizations to invite their elected officials to issue statements marking the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on or about Wednesday, March 22, and will end on or about Thursday, April 20. The Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of the fast, will begin on or about Friday, April 21.
[NOTE: Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan may vary. Consult local Muslim communities for the beginning and end dates of Ramadan. For local contacts, go to: http://www.islamicfinder.com or https://www.cair.com/about_cair/cair-chapters/ ]
CAIR released a template message to elected officials requesting the introduction of local and state resolutions or proclamations marking the month of Ramadan and Eid-al Fitr. CAIR also provided sample resolutions for elected officials.
TEMPLATE MESSAGE TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said:
“As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, it is essential that elected officials recognize and acknowledge the significance of this time for their Muslim constituents. This sacred month holds great spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide, as it is a time of heightened prayer, reflection, and devotion to God.
“We urge all Muslim community leaders and organizations to reach out to their elected representatives and encourage them to demonstrate allyship with our communities by recognizing the significance of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. As our community comes together to celebrate Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, we hope that elected officials will stand with us in solidarity and help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
BACKGROUNDER:
Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from the break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
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 National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected], CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]