[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 158 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H8185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN

  (Mr. BONIOR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the beginning of 
the holy month of Ramadan. For nearly 7 million Muslims in America and 
more than 1 million worldwide, this is a period of introspection and 
faith. As Muslims prepare for the daily fast, they begin a month of 
deep spirituality and communal observance.
  Like many things related to Islam in America, Ramadan is not well 
understood by most Americans. The word ``Ramadan'' comes from the 
Arabic root word for ``parched thirst'' and ``sun-baked ground.''
  Some say the word expresses the hunger and thirst felt by those who 
spent the month in fasting. Others suggest it is so-called because, 
during Ramadan, hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the 
admonition and to the words of God, just as sand and stone are 
receptive to the sun's heat.
  Ramadan is a beautiful work that truly captures the spiritual and the 
physical renewal of this most treasured time for Muslims. Americans 
have benefited immensely from learning more about these traditions.
  I join my colleagues today in sending our message of solidarity and 
warm greetings for a blessed beginning to the holy month of Ramadan for 
all Muslims, here at home and around the world.

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