Muslim American Society - Houston Chapter - MAS 2007 Annual Ramadan Fundraising Iftar Banquet

MAS Freedom Celebrates Unanimous 376-0 Passage of 'The Ramadan Bill'

Historical Resolution Co-Sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison
By Aishah Schwartz

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASNET) Oct. 2, 2007 - MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS) announces and celebrates with the entire Muslim community, the unanimous passage of House Resolution 635 - 'The Ramadan Bill' - "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."

Rick Jauert, Rep. Keith Ellison's Communications Director in Washington, D.C., confirmed the unanimous (376-0) vote in favor of the 'Ramadan Bill' took place earlier today before the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The resolution, originally submitted by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) (for herself, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), was brought to a vote before the Committee on Foreign Affairs early Tuesday morning and additionally states:

"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."

"This is indeed a symbolic, historic event and it again recognizes the growing religious pluralism of the United States, we wish to express our appreciations to the sponsors and co-sponsors of this resolution," stated MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.

Passage of the Ramadan Bill is something the American Muslim community will be especially thankful for as they enter the 'Last 10 Days of Ramadan' beginning Oct. 3, 2007. The 'Last 10 Days' are marked, in emulation of the practice of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), by contentious exertion in devotion and worship - more so than in any other time during the Ramadan season.