US House of Representatives Passes a Historic Ramadan Resolution

CAIR, October 7, 2007

A resolution recognizing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and expressing the "deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world" was adopted in the U.S. House of Representatives October 2 by a vote of 376-0.

The resolution acknowledging the importance of Muslims in America, the first of its kind, was introduced by Texas Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson and co-sponsored by 30 legislators, including Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Ellison is the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress.

"It’s a sign of respect and recognition. It’s a very American thing to do. We are a nation of religious tolerance and religious inclusion," Ellison told USINFO.

"The basic idea is to demonstrate not only to the Muslim world but to the whole world that the U.S. Congress is a place where all faiths are respected, all faiths are recognized, where we embrace our diversity and where we believe that the promise of America is that you may seek the Divine as you see fit within your own judgment, and in your own tradition and in your own way," he said. . .

The resolution reiterates support for American Muslims in the face of hate crimes, and maintains a strong stand against intolerance. "May Ramadan this year truly be a time when Muslims and people of all faiths embrace freedom and tolerance for all, and reject violence and extremism," said Texas Representative Ted Poe.

A hate crime is "a violation of law, it’s a violation of our culture and a violation of the American way of life," Ellison said later.

American Muslim reaction to the resolution is "overwhelmingly positive," according to Corey Saylor of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "It’s a sign that Muslims in America are growing in their recognition as being part of the mainstream fabric of the United States."

"America is a pluralistic society, and it welcomes all different faiths, but it’s up to each of those different faiths to assert itself in the public sphere, and what this resolution does is shows that American Muslims are learning more and more how to assert themselves in the public sphere," he said. (MORE)

The full text of the resolution is available here.

HRES 635 IH

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 635

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 5, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) during this time of conflict, 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 Islamic 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.

CAIR-NJ: Thank Congress for Ramadan Resolution

October 7, 2007

(PRINCETON, NJ, 10/5/2007) -

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today called on Muslims and other people of conscience in that state to thank their elected officials for voting for the House Ramadan Resolution.

The resolution "recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world" and expresses "deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion."

All New Jersey congressmen in the House of Representatives voted affirmative for this resolution other than Congressman Garrett who was present but did not vote.

NJ Congressman Bill Pascrell was a co-sponsor of the bill and made the following statement on the House floor with regards to this resolution: “This month should not just be important for Muslims. It should also be imperative for all of us non-Muslims to learn about this faith, which too often has been misunderstood and mischaracterized. . .It has been through the many good works of my Muslim constituents that it has become clear to me that the true faith of Islam is one of peace and mutual understanding.”

Following the passing of the resolution, NJ Congressman Rush Holt stated: “Celebrating the blessings of faith and enjoying the rewards of patience, discipline and commitment are in keeping with the highest principles and most honored traditions of all cultures. As followers of Islam observe Ramadan, non-Muslims across the United States should take this opportunity to learn about the beliefs and traditions of this historic, world religion.”

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. CALL Congressman Pascrell and thank him for his statement on the House floor.
Contact: DC Office: (202) 225-5751
In district Office: (973) 523-5152

2. CONTACT your elected officials (one US Representative) and thank them for their support of this symbolic gesture.

Click here to find your representative:

For further information, please contact: Afsheen Shamsi, CAIR-NJ at ashamsi@cair.com or 908-938-5990.

Tampa, Florida, House Reps Refuse to Support Ramadan Resolution

CAIR, TAMPA, FL, 10/7/2007) -

The Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Tampa) today thanked area congressional representatives who voted in support of a U.S. House resolution passed earlier this week recognizing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

CAIR-Tampa also expressed disappointment in the minority of representatives who refused to support the bi-partisan resolution. While the resolution passed 376-0, 42 House members, including Tampa-area representatives Ginny Brown-Waite, Bill Young and Jeff Miller, voted "present."

SEE: Twenty Percent of Republicans Vote 'Present' on Ramadan Resolution

Others voting "present" included Reps. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and Virgil Goode (R-VA). Tancredo has previously advocated the bombing of Islamic holy sites, while Goode criticized the use of the Qur'an in the ceremonial swearing-in of the first Muslim Congressman.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Roll call of Ramadan resolution vote

In letters to Brown-Waite, Young and Miller, CAIR-Tampa Community Relations Coordinator Jamila Baraka wrote: "The best way to foster greater understanding between cultures is to lead by example. Today you have demonstrated that you are not ready to embrace diversity, tolerance and equality." Baraka also urged the representatives to reconsider their position on the resolution "by issuing a statement of support for your American-Muslim constituents."

Full text of letter.

CAIR Tampa commended the area representatives who supported the Ramadan resolution. Those voting "yes" included Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Allen Boyd, Vern Buchanan, Cathy Castor, Adam Putnam, and Cliff Stearns.

In a letter praising the supporters of the Ramadan resolution, Baraka wrote: “Today you have proven that you have both the courage and the compassion to represent all your constituents equally. We truly appreciate your continued support and our representation on Capitol Hill.”

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-Tampa Community Relations Coordinator Jamila Baraka, 813-514-1414, E-Mail: jbaraka@cair.com; CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ahmed Bedier, 813-731-9506, E-Mail: abedier@cair.com

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