Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), joined by Andre Carson, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and several others, introduced a resolution recognizing the commencement of ramadan and commending muslims in the United States and throughout the world.

Press Release:

Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was joined by Representatives Andre Carson (IN-7), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) in introducing a resolution commemorating the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This significant month in the Muslim Lunar Calendar is a time of heightened spiritual awareness, family bonding, communal service and worship, and self-renewal for Muslims everywhere. Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world take time during the month of Ramadan to reflect upon their faith and to strive for deeper compassion and charity. This year’s resolution also brings attention to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on Muslims as they observe Ramadan.

“During these challenging times, people turn to their faith to help them navigate through this period of great uncertainty around the world,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “This year, Muslims around the world will be making adjustments as they observe Ramadan and practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. While this pandemic prevents Muslims and other religious faiths from physically gathering together, it presents an opportunity to create innovative ways to congregate, worship, and celebrate.”

READ FULL RESOLUTION BELOW:

H. RES. 940

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.

---

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 23, 2020

Ms. Johnson of Texas (for herself, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Omar, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Rush, Ms. Norton, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Green of Texas, Mr. Pascrell, Ms. Wexton, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Veasey, Ms. Eshoo, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms. Jayapal, Ms. Stevens, Mr. McNerney, Ms. McCollum, Ms. Lofgren, and Ms. Porter) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

---

RESOLUTION

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 1,800,000,000 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;

Whereas the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on April 23, 2020, 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 Muslims contribute greatly to charitable organizations that help people from all faiths in the United States and around the world by providing medical assistance, family services, scholastic supplies, before- and after-school programs, feeding the hungry, and providing recuperation efforts following natural disasters;

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 an iftar dinner every year since 1999, recognizing the thousands of American Muslims serving in all branches of the United States military;

Whereas over 4,500 Muslims serve on active duty, and over 2,300 Muslim serve as selected reserve personnel in the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas this Ramadan, most Muslims around the world are making every effort to support self-quarantine and physical distancing due to the COVID–19 pandemic as advised by local, regional, State, and national public health or government authorities;

Whereas American houses of faith, community centers, schools, and other public centers have made a great sacrifice in suspending all nonessential gatherings until further notice, including services for major religious events such as Ramadan, Passover, and Easter; and

Whereas Muslims, like other faith communities, during these trying times are finding new ways to bridge the gap of physical distancing by celebrating their faith and Ramadan online through virtual congregational sermons and community events: 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.

By Deplorable Kel

Support my work here

Follow me on: Facebook, Twitter, Gab, MeWe

RELATED ARTICLES:

Muslims Running in 2020 U.S. Elections (List by State)

Muslims Elected in 2018 General Elections (List by State)

Muslims Elected In 2019 U.S. Elections (List by State)

Muslim groups aim to get 5,000 muslims to run for office in 2020

Organizations aimed at getting more Muslims elected in the United States Government

Muslim Groups Spend 18 Million Dollars On U.S. Elections