[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 64 (Thursday, April 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 SUPPORTING H. RES. 1021, RECOGNIZING THE COMMENCEMENT OF RAMADAN, THE 
  MUSLIM HOLY MONTH OF FASTING AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL, AND COMMENDING 
 MUSLIMS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD FOR THEIR FAITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1021 in 
recognizing the holiest of celebrations of the Islamic faith. The holy 
month of Ramadan is a sacred time of study, sacrifice, commitment and 
spiritual renewal--a month of fasting, worship, self-reflection, 
community, and charitable activities.
  Muslim Americans embrace the values and ideals that make our Nation 
great, such as discipline, egalitarianism, empathy, and moderation. In 
no month is this more evident than in the month of Ramadan, when, from 
sunrise to sunset Muslims exercise great discipline in abstaining from 
eating, drinking, and sensual pleasures from sunrise to sunset.
  Occurring on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar that 
begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan is a month that 
Muslims recognize as the month that the Qur'an was first revealed to 
the Prophet Muhammad.
  We are reminded during this holy month of the rich diversity and many 
contributions that Muslim Americans have made in every sector of 
society. Diversity is a corner stone of American society and success. 
Our Muslim American community is a vital contributor to our nations 
diversity, as well as to the talents, perspectives, and achievements 
that diversity brings.
  Unfortunately, racial profiling, harassment, and discrimination 
against Muslim Americans have increased since the tragedy of 9/11. Many 
years of Civil Rights jurisprudence and law have been ignored and 
thrown out the window when America permits the racial profiling, 
harassment, and discrimination of Muslim Americans to occur with 
impunity.
  Since its establishment in 1994, Council on American Islamic 
Relations has fulfilled the important role of being a leading advocate 
for justice and mutual understanding across the United States making it 
America's largest Islamic civil liberties group. Council on American 
Islamic Relations has served to enhance understanding of Islam, 
encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, 
and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
  There are approximately 3 million Muslims living in the United 
States. Muslims make up approximately 1.2% of the population in the 
Houston area.
  The Islamic Society of Greater Houston began in 1969 when local 
Muslim families gathered for prayer at a small house in the Medical 
Center. From this tiny group, their community has grown to include 19 
masjids across greater Houston making it the largest Islamic Society in 
North America.
  Through the Shifa Clinics, the Islamic Society of Greater Houston has 
been healing the community one patient at a time through free medical 
care provided to all those in need. The Shifa Clinics provide 
healthcare services ranging from ophthalmology to dentistry to wellness 
exams and immunizations at 4 clinics across the region.
  The Islamic Society of Greater Houston is at the heart of the Houston 
Muslim Community. It embodies the unity that the Islamic faith brings 
brothers and sisters together.
  Muslims from around the world join in this special joy-filled 
occasion that brings loved ones together in festive celebration that 
serves as an inspiration for others.
  I have been a proud co-sponsor over the years of the resolution 
recognizing the start of Ramadan, an important reaffirmation of the 
diversity and unity of America. Today, I am honored to join my fellow 
colleagues in recognizing the condemning of Muslim Americans and those 
around the world for their faith. The Muslim American community is an 
integral part of the fabric of our nation. We must come together, not 
apart. Out of many, we are one. May this Ramadan bring joy, peace, and 
unity throughout the World. Eid Mubarak.

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