[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN CELEBRATION OF RAMADAN AND THE IFTAR CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Muslim 
holiday of Ramadan, and to celebrate the Community Iftar held by the 
Council on American-Islamic Relations of Ohio.
  In the Muslim tradition, the month of Ramadan is one of contemplation 
and spirituality. Muslims throughout Northeast Ohio and the world 
endeavor to deepen their individual faith and grow as a community. 
Muslims do this through conscious efforts to refrain from thoughts and 
actions that would stunt their spiritual growth. They also read the 
entire Qur'an.
  Muslims also bring themselves closer to this spiritual ideal through 
their observance of the Sawm, or fast. The Sawm is a cleansing and 
invigorating practice that renews the spirit. To break the fast and 
make a renewed commitment to their family and community, Muslims gather 
for the Iftar dinner. Keeping with the intention of the holiday, the 
Iftar is an opportunity for spiritual growth in the continued pursuit 
of peace and understanding.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating Ramadan. 
As Muslims throughout Northeast Ohio gather for CAIR's Community Iftar, 
I wish them all peace and happiness on their spiritual journey.

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