[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28587]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 28587]]

             CONGRESSIONAL RECORD 

                United States
                 of America



November 4, 1999





                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

  EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT A POSTAGE STAMP SHOULD BE 
          ISSUED RECOGNIZING THE ISLAMIC HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 1999

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill 
which expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should 
be issued recognizing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
  Muslims are a growing and vibrant part of our community. They are our 
friends, neighbors, doctors, and merchants. Ramadan occurs during the 
ninth month of the Islamic calendar when all Muslims fast from sunrise 
to sunset. Observing Ramadan is one of the ``five pillars of Islam'' 
and all Muslims, except children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and the 
sick are expected to abstain from food and drink during the day.
  Another pillar of the Islamic faith is the hajj, or the pilgrimage to 
Mecca. This period commemorates when Muslims believe the Koran was 
revealed to the prophet Muhammad from the Archangel Gabriel. Therefore, 
many Muslims try to read the entire Koran during Ramadan.
  During Ramadan, in addition to fasting and studying the Koran, 
observing Muslims recite special prayers, donate money to the poor, and 
seek forgiveness from those whom they may have wronged. Such practices 
nurture self-discipline and compassion, rejuvenate faith, and help 
Muslims earn merit for the afterlife.
  In return, Muslims believe that God will cleanse our sins at the 
beginning of Eid al-Fitr, a festive three-day celebration that marks 
the end of Ramadan. Muslims believe that Eid signifies a new beginning, 
a second chance to lead more righteous lives.
  I am proud to represent the Muslim-Americans who have chosen to live 
and work in Northern Virginia. Muslim-Americans have strong family 
values which they renew with their families and friends during Ramadan. 
Muslim-Americans contribute to our diverse community with their hard 
work, academic achievements, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their sense of 
discipline, obedience, and community during Ramadan is inspiring to all 
of us.
  For these reasons, I urge all of my colleagues to support this 
resolution which would express the sense of Congress that a postage 
stamp should be issued to celebrate Ramadan.

                          ____________________