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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING RAMADAN AND HONORING MUSLIM AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar which follows a lunar cycle, beginning the day after the new crescent moon is sighted; and
WHEREAS, this year, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of Friday, February 28, and end on Saturday, March 29; and
WHEREAS, the Islamic faith is guided by Five Pillars including Profession of Faith (shahada), Prayer (salat), Alms (zakat), fasting (sawm), and pilgrimage (hajj); and
WHEREAS, Ramadan is recognized by Muslims and non-Muslims alike at the most significant and holy time of the Islamic calendar; and
WHEREAS, Muslims seek to grow spiritually during this time through prayer and recitation of the Quran, as well as focusing on intentional and selfless action; and
WHEREAS, each year, Muslims fast each day from dawn until dusk for the duration of Ramadan; and
WHEREAS, during this time of fasting, Muslims perform meaningful rituals that illuminate their faith, exercise humility, and engage in self-reflection; and
WHEREAS, this year, Ramadan occurs on the heels of Muslim American Heritage Month, observed annually in January; and
WHEREAS, Muslim American Heritage Month celebrates the contribution of the Muslim American community throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Muslim Americans are essential to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Cook County and United States; and
WHEREAS, the Muslim American community boasts a rich and diverse history that reflects a wide range of countries, cultures and traditions; and
WHEREAS, famous Muslim American figures include boxing legend and global icon Muhammad Ali, civil engineer and designer of the Sears Tower Dr. Fazlur Rahman Khan, NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, civil rights activist Malcom X, and public health advocate whose research exposed the Flint water crisis Dr. Mona Hanna; and
WHEREAS, in Illinois Muslim Americans make up 3.7% of ...
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