(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/23/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib’s (D-MI) introduction of the 2023 U.S. House Resolution “Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan,” the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal.
The resolution was introduced yesterday to mark the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, 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.
Led by Rep. Carson and joined by Congresswomen Omar and Tlaib, the resolution’s original co-sponsors also include Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Rep. Dwight Evans, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, Rep. James A. Himes, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Henry C. (“Hank”) Johnson, Jr., Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. John B. Larson, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Kevin Mullin, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Terri Sewell, Rep. Adam B. Schiff, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, and Rep. Nikema Williams.
In an accompanying statement released by Representative Andre Carson, he said:
“I am pleased to wish ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to Muslim-Americans observing Ramadan in Indiana, across America, and around the world,” said Congressman Carson. “This sacred time of fasting and sacrifice is a chance for Muslims to grow closer to our faith and to one another. This month is also a chance to reaffirm our shared values – fighting poverty, promoting peace, and stamping out inequality. These are the values of Islam and of our country. Together, we can continue working towards a stronger, more equitable future for our state, nation, and world.”
In a statement, CAIR Director of Government Affairs Robert S. McCaw said:
“We welcome the introduction of the U.S. House Resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan and thank Representatives Andre Carson, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and the many other members of Congress who cosponsored this resolution for joining with the American Muslim community in celebrating the blessed month of Ramadan. This important recognition honors the millions of Muslims here in America and around the world celebrating this holy month of fasting, reflection, and charity. We encourage all members of the House of Representatives to co-sponsor and adopt this significant resolution.”
READ THE RESOLUTION IN FULL BELOW:
118th CONGRESS, 1st Session
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 23, 2023
Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan
Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.
Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,900,000,000 Muslims worldwide and 4,500,000 Muslims in the United States;
Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year;
Whereas the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on March 22, 2023, and continues for one lunar month;
Whereas one of the purposes of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is for Muslims to gain a better understanding of the plight faced by those who are less fortunate;
Whereas American Muslims contribute greatly to charitable organizations that help people from all faiths in the United States and around the world by providing food for the hungry, medical assistance, family services, scholastic supplies, before and after school programs, refugee resettlement, and relief efforts following natural disasters;
Whereas American Muslims have contributed greatly to the United States, serving as medical professionals, teachers, first responders, journalists, writers, artists, athletes, small business owners, professors, activists, community leaders, and elected public officials across government representing both major political parties;
Whereas the American Muslim community is among the most racially diverse faith groups in the United States;
Whereas Thomas Jefferson was the first President to host an iftar, the meal breaking fast during Ramadan, at the White House in 1805, and every President since 1996 has hosted an iftar for members of the community during their Presidencies;
Whereas the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development have hosted iftars through the years for staff and members of the diplomatic community;
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has hosted iftar dinners since 2008 to recognize and welcome interfaith dialogue and collaboration with individuals and organizations whose core values often overlap significantly with the mission of the Department, including disaster recovery, reducing food waste, ensuring access to nutritious food, and fostering safe, prosperous, and thriving communities;
Whereas the Pentagon has held iftar dinners to celebrate Ramadan starting in 1999, recognizing American Muslims serving in all branches of the United States military; and
Whereas over 5,500 Muslims serve on active duty, and over 2,300 Muslims serve as selected reserve personnel in the United States Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That—
(1) in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and
(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.
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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]