WHEREAS, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims across the world as a sacred period of fasting and prayer; and
WHEREAS, From dawn until sunset, those observing Ramadan refrain from food and drink as an act of devotion and self-discipline; and
WHEREAS, The month commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an and calls upon believers to reflect, give charity, and care for their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Islam has deep roots in Philadelphia, shaped in part by African American communities who embraced the faith during the twentieth century and established institutions that continue to serve generations of residents; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia became a national center of Islamic life through the establishment of independent mosques that helped define Sunni Islamic practice in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to one of the largest and most historically rooted Muslim communities in the United States, with estimates of over 300,000 Muslim residents residing in the City; and
WHEREAS, Generations of Muslim families have built vibrant institutions, businesses, and places of worship in neighborhoods including West Philadelphia, Cobbs Creek, Overbrook, North Philadelphia, Germantown, Olney, and Northeast Philadelphia, strengthening the fabric of these communities through service, entrepreneurship, education, and public leadership; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the City, mosques and community organizations host nightly prayers, charitable drives, and shared meals that welcome neighbors of all backgrounds and reflect Philadelphia’s spirit of fellowship and mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, The observance of Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a day marked by prayer and gratitude; and
WHEREAS, As Muslims across Philadelphia enter this sacred month, the City joins in recognizing a tradition that has endured across generations and remains a living part of our shared story; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan and extends its respect and best wishes to all who observe.