[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H11087-H11090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING COMMENCEMENT OF RAMADAN AND COMMENDING MUSLIMS FOR THEIR
FAITH
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 635) recognizing the commencement of Ramadan,
the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending
Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith,
as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 635
Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately
1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;
Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on
September 11, 2001, some threats and incidents of violence
have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of
African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members
of the Islamic faith;
Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of
Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning
bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American
Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the
terrorist attacks on the United States;
Whereas some extremists have attempted to use selective
interpretations of Islam to justify and encourage hatred,
persecution, oppression, violence and terrorism against the
United States, the West, Israel, other Muslims, and non-
Muslims;
Whereas some Muslims in the United States and abroad have
courageously spoken out in rejection of interpretations of
Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and
terror, and in support of interpretations of and movements
within Islam that justify and encourage democracy, tolerance
and full civil and political rights for Muslims and those of
all faiths;
Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual
renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the
Muslim calendar year; and
Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan
commenced at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for
one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great
religions of the world;
(2) expresses friendship and support for Muslims in the
United States and worldwide;
(3) acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy
month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and conveys its
respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the
world on this occasion;
(4) rejects hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against
Muslims, both in the United States and worldwide; and
(5) commends Muslims in the United States and across the
globe who have privately and publicly rejected
interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and
encourage hatred, violence, and terror.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Sherman) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our colleague from Texas, Ms.
Eddie Bernice Johnson, for introducing this important and timely
legislation, and I look forward to hearing her remarks as we proceed
with this debate.
As we speak, millions of our Muslim friends and neighbors around the
world are in the midst of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and
spiritual renewal. The observance of Ramadan requires devotion to
faith, community and family, truly universal values we all share.
During the month of Ramadan, observant members of the Islamic faith
fast from sunrise to sunset and focus their attention on the teachings
of their religion as well as purity of thought and action.
It is appropriate and necessary for the U.S. House of Representatives
to mark the commencement of this important event which began this year
on September 13 and continues for one lunar month. This legislation
expresses the deep respect we all feel for Muslims in the United States
and around the world.
Since the horrific events of September 11, 2001, unfortunately,
peaceful patriotic members of the Islamic faith have been subject to
hateful and demeaning threats, words, even acts of violence. This House
must stand with these law-abiding citizens in this time of conflict. I
strongly support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the
same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 635, which recognizes the
commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and
spiritual renewal, and expresses respect to Muslims in the United
States and throughout the world on this occasion.
Regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan
signifies a time of deep reflection for the 1.5 billion Muslims across
the globe. During this month, special emphasis is put on prayer, giving
to charity, daylight fasting, and self-examination and improvement.
It is tragic that radical Islamists have used selective
interpretations of Islam to justify and encourage hate, injustice,
oppression, violence, and terror. They have indoctrinated many young
Muslims to hate and target for violence America, Israel, the West,
other Muslims, and non-Muslims.
Worse still, some have exploited the month of Ramadan, which should
be devoted to spirituality and self-perfection, to stoke the fires of
fanaticism and destruction.
It is important to note that a growing number of Muslims, including
many in America, are rejecting radical Islam and its culture of death.
Instead, they are articulating interpretations of Islam that embrace
the values of human life, liberty, and democracy.
Indeed, today we are seeing a clash within Islamic civilization
between those who wish to step into the light of progress and those who
wish to return the entire world to the dark ages.
Given the threat that radical Islam poses worldwide, the clash within
Islamic civilization affects everyone throughout the world. That is why
this House should take the opportunity to pass H. Res. 635. This
resolution commends Muslims who reject interpretations of Islam that
justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror.
May Ramadan this year truly be a time when Muslims and people of all
faiths embrace freedom and tolerance for all, and reject violence and
extremism.
I thank my friend and distinguished colleague from Texas, Ms. Eddie
Bernice Johnson, for introducing this resolution; and I urge its
adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1130
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from
Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), who is the chairperson of the
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment and, more importantly, is the author of this important
legislation.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on September 13,
2007, Muslims in America and around the world celebrated the
commencement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. I'd like to thank
Chairman Lantos, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Meek,
Congressman Ellison and the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association
for their continued support and leadership on this historic bill.
The two best that I know are on my staff: my chief of staff, Murat
Gokcigdem, a Turkish American; and Illham Jaffer, legislative
assistant.
H. Res. 635 recognizes Muslims around the world and commemorates them
during their holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is observed in the ninth
month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Of the Abrahamic faiths, Islam is
a faith that places great emphasis on knowledge; therefore, it is a
faith of reason and peace.
The month of Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual awareness,
family
[[Page H11088]]
bonding, communal service and worship, and self-renewal for Muslims
everywhere. It is the month of fasting from sunrise to sunset for over
1 billion Muslims throughout the world.
During this month, Muslim Americans are appreciative of America's
tradition of diversity. The community displays its appreciation by
reconfirming its duty to ensure human dignity and a better future for
all.
The Muslim American community contributes to the vibrant growth of
American society and culture. Muslim Americans play a significant role
in our Nation's political process, economic growth, scientific
development, free enterprise, religious tolerance, law enforcement and
homeland security.
American pluralistic ideals, democratic institutions and
multiculturalism are expanded and strengthened by the contribution of
Muslim American civic participation.
During this holy month, I'd like to say Ramadan Mubarak to all
Muslims.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to a member of both the
Committee on Ways and Means and the Homeland Security Committee, the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 635,
which recognizes the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of
fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United
States and throughout the world for their faith.
I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, and I want to congratulate
the sponsor, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. This is the first
time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and
recognize the month of Ramadan, a month which Muslims have been
observing for more than 1,300 years.
In this month, I know that Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset,
but the month of Ramadan is about so much more than the act of
abstaining from food.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims will strive to become stronger
in their faith and in their character. This means striving to be better
members of our families and within our communities, striving to perform
acts of charity for those who are less fortunate, striving to set a
better example to those around us. In truth, it is a striving to become
a more complete human being.
But this month should not just be important for Muslims. It should
also be imperative for all of us non-Muslims to learn about this faith,
which too often has been misunderstood and mischaracterized.
Muslims share a great deal of commonality with other faiths. For
example, the practice of fasting is not just done by Muslims but is
also observed by Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus, among others.
These United States of America, this is a Nation of God and all
religions.
Indeed, the book of Exodus tells us that Moses fasted for 40 days and
40 nights while he was on the mountain with God, and the accounts of
Matthew and Luke tell us that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights
while in the desert prior to the three temptations.
I've always been extremely fortunate to represent probably one of the
most diverse districts in the entire country, the Eighth District of
New Jersey. It has been through the many good works of my Muslim
constituents that it has become clear to me that the true faith of
Islam is one of peace and mutual understanding.
Despite what others may say, we should have no qualms about electing
a Muslim to any elected office in the United States, for our Nation was
founded on the principle that there can be no religious test for
holding office, only a test of that individual's character.
We are all part of the beautiful tapestry that comprises our Nation,
and Muslim Americans are starting to move to the forefront where they
belong.
I wish all Muslims in our Nation a happy and a blessed month of
Ramadan.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota, who serves with me on both the Financial Services Committee
and the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Ellison.
Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for yielding
time and for this excellent resolution. I'd like to thank all of the
authors, including Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and everyone who
signed on to the resolution commemorating the month of Ramadan.
I am celebrating Ramadan myself personally, and I have been doing so
ever since my 19th birthday. I'm 44 now, and I can tell you that it is
a time of reflection, a time of renewal, and regeneration.
It's true that we fast during the daylight hours during Ramadan, but
it also says in the sayings of Prophet Mohammed, that if you do not
refrain from ill speech, bad speech, bad words, basically a bad
attitude and negative disposition, then God has no use of your
refraining from food and drink. And so in this month of Ramadan, it's
important to reassess your life, to contemplate your role in society
and to benefit your neighbor.
I think it's very important when we talk about ``neighbor'' that we
reflect upon what that word really means, ``neighbor.'' It was Jesus,
who the Muslims call Esau and who they revere very highly, who told the
lawyer in the Bible that his neighbor really wasn't even somebody of
his own religion or his own tribe but really was that Samaritan from
that other group who lended assistance and gave a helping hand when it
was needed. And that is the origin of the story of the Good Samaritan.
This idea of the neighbor is something that's very important in
Islam, especially during Ramadan where Muslims of all faiths, all
colors, all backgrounds, reach out to our neighbors, Muslim, Christian,
Jewish, Buddhist of all types.
I want to report to you, Mr. Speaker, that over the course of the
last several weeks we've had several Iftar celebrations right here in
the Capitol and also in the Pentagon and a tremendous demonstration of
interfaith cooperation, interfaith working together and mutual respect
and recognition.
As was said earlier, and I quite agree, every faith tradition relies
on fasting as a means for spiritual regeneration. I also want to report
to you that on the date of Yom Kippur, which is the Jewish holiday of
atonement and the commemoration of the time of the new year, that my
mosque in Minneapolis and the synagogue Temple Israel in Minneapolis
joined together to break fast together, and we ended up with a good
problem, Mr. Speaker, and that is, that there were 150 people who
RSVP'ed and said they wanted to come. We ended up with about 160 people
coming, and we didn't have enough chairs for everybody, but we had
enough food because we shared it, Mr. Speaker, showing again that we're
not too far apart.
Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to let you know that many of our Christian
friends came to celebrate the breaking of the fast with the Muslims and
Jews together, and we're really warmed and encouraged by the fact that
we can all come together even though we have different faith
traditions.
So, Mr. Speaker, let me again thank the wonderful, excellent
commemoration we're having today as a true expression of American
values, religious tolerance, inclusion of everyone.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take this opportunity
to wish all my Muslim friends, particularly those in the San Fernando
Valley, a Ramadan Mubarak, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
commend the gentlelady from Texas for introducing this legislation and
our committee leadership, Chairman Tom Lantos and Ranking Member Ileana
Ros-Lehtinen, for moving this bill to the floor.
Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, as a longtime advocate and friend of the
Muslim-American community, I am pleased to support H. Res. 635, a bill
recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, and commending Muslims
everywhere for their faith.
I have always admired the unwavering commitment Muslims show towards
their faith during the holy month of Ramadan. It has been an honor to
join many of my Muslim friends during this month of family
togetherness, selfless service, worship and spiritual rebirth.
[[Page H11089]]
As the grandson of immigrants, I know true assimilation means
preserving tradition while achieving success. I am in awe at how
quickly the Muslim-American community has mastered both. In a matter of
decades, the Muslim-American community has rapidly assimilated into
American society. With shared values of hard work, discipline,
community, family and culture, it's no wonder that Muslim-Americans are
one of the fastest growing, most educated and highest earning ethnic
groups in the U.S.
America owes much of its vibrant society and rich culture to the
contributions of Muslim-Americans. From the medical professionals who
care for us, the educators who teach us and the titans of industry
large and small, Muslim-Americans are one of the most indispensable
parts of our nation's ever-growing melting pot. Muslim-Americans are
authentic Americans, and proof that the American Dream continues to
thrive.
Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Res.
635, a resolution honoring the month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month
of fasting and spiritual renewal. This is an important resolution in
support of our Muslim friends, neighbors and citizens.
In my district we have many distinguished Muslim residents who
contribute extensively to our community. They work tirelessly to
educate our community about their faith and work to build interfaith
relationships across our communities. For this I am deeply grateful.
Their efforts, along with those of other people of faith in my
district, are enabling us to build a strong and pluralistic environment
that promotes tolerance and diversity.
In this time of international conflict, it is critical that we
demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the Muslim
community in the United States and throughout the world. In two weeks I
will be bringing faith leaders from across my district, including Jews,
Muslims, Christians and Buddhists, to Washington, DC, for a day of
discussions with Members of Congress and advocacy organizations to help
further the important interfaith work already underway throughout the
Central Coast of California.
I am grateful for all of the people of faith in my district who are
working to promote peace and justice through understanding.
May this month of Ramadan bring us all closer to realizing a peaceful
society at home and abroad.
I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on September 13,
2007, Muslims in America and around the world celebrated the
commencement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. I would like to
thank Chairman Lantos, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Meeks,
Congressman Ellison, and the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association
for their continued support and leadership on this historic bill. The
two I know best are Murat Gokcigdem who is Turkish American and my
Chief of Staff and Illy Jaffer, Pakistani American and my Legislative
Assistant. House Resolution 635 recognizes Muslims around the world and
commemorates them during their holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is
observed in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Of the
Abrahamic faiths, Islam is a faith that places great emphasis on
knowledge; therefore, it is a faith of reason and peace. The month of
Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual awareness, family bonding,
communal service and worship, and self-renewal for Muslims everywhere.
It is the month of fasting from sunrise to sunset for over one billion
Muslims throughout the world. During this month, Muslim Americans are
appreciative of America's tradition of diversity. The community
displays its appreciation by reconfirming its duty to ensure human
dignity and a better future for all.
The Muslim American community contributes to the vibrant growth of
American society and culture. Muslim Americans play a significant role
in our Nation's political process, economic growth, scientific
development, free enterprise, religious tolerance, law enforcement, and
homeland security. American pluralistic ideals, democratic
institutions, and multiculturalism are expanded and strengthened by the
contribution of Muslim American civic participation. During this holy
month, I would like to say Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of House
Resolution 635, a resolution recognizing the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan. On September 13 this year, millions of Muslims throughout the
world, and a great number in Michigan's 15th Congressional district,
began a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal. It is an
important step for acceptance and tolerance within the United States
that Congress, for the first time, is recognizing this exceptional
religious observance.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in self-discipline
and purification. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from common
daily activities such as eating and drinking, and tobacco use. Muslims
also spend time reading the Koran, contemplating Islam, and cleansing
their spirits. Ramadan is also a time to gather with family and
friends, both at the nightly iftar, as well as at the conclusion of
Ramadan, during the Id-al-Fitr.
It is a pleasure to join my colleagues in honoring the celebration of
Ramadan, not simply because Muslims are an important and growing part
of American society, but also because goals and tenets of Ramadan--self
sacrifice, charity, and spiritual renewal--are shared by Americans of
all faiths. Hopefully, Congressional recognition of Ramadan will lead
to an increased appreciation for these shared values. Certainly,
recognizing Ramadan, along with its observance in the United States,
contributes to the vibrancy, dynamism, and character of our great
Nation.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Ms. Speaker I rise today in strong support
of H. Res. 635, recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic
holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in
the United States and throughout the world for their faith. I would
like to thank my colleague, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, as well as the
30 other cosponsors for introducing this important and timely piece of
legislation. I would also like to thank Chairman Lantos for his
leadership on this issue. This important legislation brings us together
in celebration with our Muslim brothers and sisters, during this, their
holy month of fasting and spirituality.
Since the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States of September
11, 2001, patriotic, law-abiding Muslims-Americans of the Islamic faith
have been targeted by threats and incidents of violence. The House of
Representatives has rebuked and condemned such actions from their very
inception, with their September 14, 2001 resolution condemning bigotry
and violence against American Muslims, and must continue to do so. It
is important during this period of international uncertainty and
apprehension to look to our commonalities, recognizing universal values
that transcend culture, nationality, and religion.
The Muslim American Community has grown in size and prominence, and
is an integral part of the fabric of this nation. The Muslim population
in North America is characterized by its diversity. Some 80 nations are
represented in the mosque communities of the United States, including a
variety of traditions, practices, doctrines, and beliefs. Muslim
Americans share the same values and ideals that make this nation great.
These include ideals such as discipline, generosity, peace and
moderation. In no month is this more evident than in the month of
Ramadan, when more than a billion Muslims all across the world renew
their bonds to family and friends, to neighbors and colleagues, and
most of all to God. Ramadan is a special time of prayer and fasting,
contemplation of God's greatness, and service to those in need.
Mr. Speaker, it is in the spirit of equality and sharing that we must
recognize the universal values of family, community, and faith that we
all share. By recognizing the Islamic faith as one of the great
religions of the world, the House of Representatives may demonstrate
solidarity with and support for the members of the Muslim community,
both within the United States and throughout the world. By supporting
this legislation, we may convey our respect to the Muslim community and
commend the vast majority of Muslims within the U.S. and across the
globe who have rejected the misapplication and misinterpretation of
their religion.
As a co-sponsor of this legislation I feel that this is an issue we
must address and I therefore strongly urge my colleagues to join me in
supporting this important legislation.
Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.
Res. 635, a resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the
Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. This resolution
also commends the Muslims in the United States and across the globe for
their devotion.
Ramadan demonstrates the strength of each Muslim's faith with a month
of prayers, fasting, charity and self reflection. It is a beautiful
observance each year by those who believe in Islam.
It is important to have resolutions like this that recognizes and
shows respect for one of the world's most significant religions, Islam,
and the nearly 1.5 billion Muslims throughout the world. Following the
September 11th attacks, I am sad to say, there was an outbreak of
bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims and
Americans from South Asia. Intolerance is not an American value and
Congress must show its support for the community of Islam in the United
States and throughout the world.
I would like to thank Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,
Congressman Gregory Meeks and Congressman Keith Ellison for introducing
the resolution and working to bring it to the House floor today.
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong
support of H. Res. 635.
[[Page H11090]]
As our Founding Fathers recognized, the strength of this great Nation
derives from the tolerance we espouse. America builds strength from its
diversity. I am proud to be a part of a country where every person may
practice their religious beliefs without fear. At a time when religious
differences are igniting conflicts throughout the world, America serves
as a beacon of hope that religious tolerance is not only achievable,
but only serves to make a country stronger and more viable.
The Islamic faith follows the lunar calendar. During the ninth month
of the lunar calendar, called ``Ramadan,'' the Arabic term for intense
heat and scorched earth, Muslims throughout the world celebrate the
revelation of the Quran. In 2007, the month of Ramadan lasts from
September 13 to October 12. This sacred month is observed with prayers,
fasting, and charity.
I believe we could all use a time of peace and reflection. Ramadan
embodies these principles, and I applaud our Muslim friends and
neighbors for their sincere religious beliefs.
I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 635, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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