Recognizing the Philadelphia Muslim Community and acknowledging May 5, 2019 through June 4, 2019 as the holy month of Ramadan.

WHEREAS, Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims, as it is an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual improvement; and

WHEREAS, Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of 354 days. Since a lunar year is 11 days shorter than a solar year, Ramadan can occur during different dates each year; and

WHEREAS, The observation of Ramadan usually lasts for 29-30 days. In 2019, Ramadan is to be observed from the evening of May 5th through the evening of June 4th; and

WHEREAS, Those observing Ramadan must abstain from eating or drinking from pre-dawn to sunset. Fasting is a way for Muslims to gain “taqwa,” which means being in a state of constant awareness of God. Fasting during Ramadan is used to teach self-control, gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, During Ramadan it is common for members of the Muslim Community to gather together at the end of the day for an “iftar,” which means “breaking the fast.” Those observing Ramadan will break their fast after performing a sunset prayer; and

WHEREAS, Prayer and meditation are also two major components of Ramadan. During Ramadan, extra time is to be spent reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers throughout the day

;

and

WHEREAS, At the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr, which means the “festival of breaking the fast.” On this holiday, a special prayer is held in the morning, followed by a community celebration with food, games, and presents for children; and

WHEREAS, With over 200,000 Muslims calling Philadelphia their home, it is important that the religious significance of Ramadan to members of our community is recognized; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes the Philadelphia Muslim Community and acknowledges May 5, 2019 through June 4, 2019 as the holy month of Ramadan.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the esteemed leaders of Philadelphia’s Muslim Community as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

End