(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/23/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib’s (D-MI) introduction of the 2023 U.S. House Resolution “Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan,” the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal.
The resolution was introduced yesterday to mark the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from the break of dawn to sunset.
Led by Rep. Carson and joined by Congresswomen Omar and Tlaib, the resolution’s original co-sponsors also include Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Rep. Dwight Evans, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, Rep. James A. Himes, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Henry C. (“Hank”) Johnson, Jr., Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. John B. Larson, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Kevin Mullin, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Terri Sewell, Rep. Adam B. Schiff, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, and Rep. Nikema Williams.
In an accompanying statement released by Representative Andre Carson, he said:
“I am pleased to wish ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to Muslim-Americans observing Ramadan in Indiana, across America, and around the world,” said Congressman Carson. “This sacred time of fasting and sacrifice is a chance for Muslims to grow closer to our faith and to one another. This month is also a chance to reaffirm our shared values – fighting poverty, promoting peace, and stamping out inequality. These are the values of Islam and of our country. Together, we can continue working towards a stronger, more equitable future for our state, nation, and world.”
In a statement, CAIR Director of Government Affairs Robert S. McCaw said:
“We welcome the introduction of the U.S. House Resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan and thank Representatives Andre Carson, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and the many other members of Congress who cosponsored this resolution for joining with the American Muslim community in celebrating the blessed month of Ramadan. This important recognition honors the millions of Muslims here in America and around the world celebrating this holy month of fasting, reflection, and charity. We encourage all members of the House of Representatives to co-sponsor and adopt this significant resolution.”