Lawmaker Introduces Resolution on Commencement of Ramadan
(H. Res. 280 commends Muslims throughout world for their faith)

Representative John LaFalce (Democrat of New York) introduced a resolution to the House of Representatives November 7 to recognize the upcoming start of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.

House Resolution 280 (H. Res. 280) was referred to the House International Relations Committee.

The House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith "as one of the great religions of the world," the proposed legislation says, and "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 commends Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith."

Following is the text of House Resolution 280 from the Congressional Record:

107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 280

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

November 7, 2001

Mr. LAFALCE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

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, there have been some threats and incidents of violence directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of Arab or 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 in New York, New York, and Washington, D.C.;

Whereas the Arab-American, South Asian-American, and American Muslim communities are a vital part of the Nation;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide, including approximately 6,500,000 who are citizens of, or currently reside in, the United States;

Whereas on September 12, 2001, in a mass for the Nation and the victims of the terrorist hijackings and attacks, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., reminded all Americans in prayer that `we must seek the guilty and not strike out against the innocent or we become like them who are without moral guidance or direction';

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 November 16, 2001, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives 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 commends Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.