HR181: Commending celebrations of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2020.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 181

Offered March 4, 2020
Commending celebrations of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2020.
Patron-- Subramanyam

WHEREAS, Ramadan, a holy month observed by Muslims throughout the world as a time for fasting, spiritual reflection, peace, renewal, and community service, will be celebrated in Virginia and throughout the United States in 2020 beginning on the evening of Thursday, April 23, and ending on Sunday, May 24; and

WHEREAS, as Ramadan is a lunar month, dates vary from year to year and may vary between communities through calculation or moonsighting; and

WHEREAS, fasting, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam along with declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Makkah, is an essential component of Ramadan, performed to learn discipline, self-restraint, and generosity; and

WHEREAS, during Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset and host regular iftars, or evening meals, at mosques, as well as interfaith iftars to build relationships with community members of all faiths; and

WHEREAS, during Ramadan, members of the Muslim community make generous contributions to charitable organizations and organize outreach programs to help and support those in need; and

WHEREAS, Ramadan concludes with communal prayers and celebrations called Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” which begins on the evening of May 23, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Muslim community has strengthened the cultural, social, economic, and spiritual fabric of Virginia, and approximately 90 mosques, representing several hundred thousand Muslims, will commemorate Ramadan throughout the Commonwealth in 2020; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That celebrations of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2020 hereby be commended; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Council of Muslim Organizations as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for the many contributions of the Muslim community to the Commonwealth.