Recognizing November 2001 as the Month of Ramadan.

WHEREAS, There are approximately five million Muslims living in the United States, and of these, over eighty thousand are in the Philadelphia area; and

WHEREAS, All over the world, Muslims will be observing Ramadan from November 17 to December 17, 2001. As Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, so is it also a time of re-dedication and a time of personal renewal; and

WHEREAS, Ramadan is observed through fasting, prayer and meditation as the more than one billion Muslims throughout the world reflect on the foundations of the physical and moral strength they need in this troubled world; and

WHEREAS, Ramadan encourages the Muslim community to develop compassion and charity towards all persons and to seek unity and justice in all things; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we do hereby recognize November 2001 as the Month of Ramadan, and salutes the Muslim community in Philadelphia for its contributions to the citizens of this City. We join with you in prayer that the messages of peace and brotherhood which are at the heart of Ramadan will also find their way into our own hearts, and that each sunset will find the world a more serene and holy place.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society as evidence of the respect of this legislative body for the Muslim community and this holiest of celebrations.

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