American Ramadan

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Open Houses Present Islam to Americans [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]WASHINGTON — Muslim mosques and advocacy groups use the spirit of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan to enhance the understanding of Islam among Americans of all faiths through open houses.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"We value the friendship and support of our fellow Americans. Considering that Islam and Muslims are often subject to misconceptions," Amina Ansari, Program Manager of the Council on American-Islamic Relations of the San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA), told IslamOnline.net.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"It is our pleasure to bring people together in this educational initiative, especially in the spirit of Ramadan."[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ansari has played a key role in organizing the annual event, designed to help Americans of all faiths meet their Muslim neighbors on a complimentary Ramadan iftar, and coordinating with the six participating mosques.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The real challenge for Bay Area open houses organizers was to get their target audience to come to the event, as it is aimed primarily at people of other faiths.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"We have maintained and continue to maintain good relationships with members of the interfaith community, with local officials and government leaders," said Abiya Ahmad, CAIR-SFBA media relations coordinator.[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-10/12/06.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-OH: Cincinnati Muslims to Hold ‘Sharing Ramadan’ Banquet[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]

[/SIZE](CINCINNATI, OH, 10/11/06) – On Sunday, October 15, the Cincinnati office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) and the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati will host the third annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Banquet. Guests will include public officials, civic leaders and members of various faith communities. "Iftar" is the meal eaten after sunset to break the fast each day during the Islamic observance of Ramadan.

WHAT: 3rd Annual Interfaith Ramadan Iftar Banquet
WHEN: October 15, 2006, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
CONTACT: CAIR-OH, Cincinnati Office, Karen Dabdoub, 513-281-8200

“As more than one billion Muslims worldwide observe the fast of Ramadan, it is important for the American Muslim community to reach out to its neighbors as an example of true Islamic ideals,” said CAIR-Ohio’s Cincinnati Director Karen Dabdoub. “We are pleased to be able to share our American Muslim culture with our friends and neighbors during this special month.”

http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=2296&theType=NR

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Muslim Humanitarian Day Serves US Homeless[/FONT]

WASHINGTON — In its fifth year, the annual Muslim Humanitarian Day has expanded to serve around 20,000 homeless individuals and families in fourteen cities nationwide, regardless of any and all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

"Like in previous years, beneficiaries received a gift package including hygiene and emergency kits, bath towels, clothing, blankets, ponchos and toys for children."

In addition, this year’s event has included free critical medical services, such as health screening, HIV/AIDS screenings, flu vaccinations, educational materials and referral information.

"There were also various booths staffed by community organizations that offered social and health services," said Mahboob.

"The lead national coordinators are Islamic Relief and the Intellect, Love, and Mercy (ILM) Foundation," he added.

Participating organizations also include the Muslim American Society (MAS), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity (CPHD) and the Rahima Foundation.

Started in Los Angeles three years ago, Humanitarian Day has become an annual event in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

It was organized this year in fourteen cities: Los Angeles, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Detroit, MI, Newark, NJ, Baltimore, MD, Baton Rouge, LA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, New Orleans, LA, New York, NY, Portland, OR and Washington, D.C.

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-10/17/01.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-CA Community Iftars: Sacramento, Davis
[/SIZE]CAIR-SV AND MUSLIM COMMUNITY SHARE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

(SACRAMENTO, CA 10/17/2006) - The Sacramento Valley office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) recently launched its "Share the Spirit of Ramadan" community service project. CAIR-SV prepared packed lunches and distributed after Friday prayer in the Sacramento Valley in areas with a high concentration of homeless people.

"Part of the wisdom of the fast of Ramadan is to experience hunger and empathize with those less-fortunate. Those who fast are supposed to show more compassion. Prophet Muhammad himself always showed more generosity during the month of Ramadan," said Aysha Mohsin, CAIR-SV intern and community service campaign manager.

CAIR chapter will also be hosting several feedings at the local Loaves and Fishes during the month of Ramadan as part of the project.

http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=2313&theType=NR

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ramadan Special Time for US Kids [/FONT]

WASHINGTON — The holy fasting month of Ramadan is a special time for American Muslim kids who, while joining fasting and Tarawih prayers with their families, still need to explain to classmates and friends why they are not eating with them.

"I feel happy when they (friends) ask me questions about my religion like why I am fasting," Nadia, an 8-years-old student at Pomelo Elementary School, told IslamOnline.net.

"My friend, Emma, always asks me how much more days I still have to fast because she likes me to eat with her," she said.

"Sometimes, I have to wait in the cafeteria with my friends and it is hard to see everyone eating his lunch, but I know I will get a big reward," noted Nadia.

"I really enjoy telling my friends about Ramadan and `Eid Al-Fitr," said Alia Maghawri, a twelve years old student.

"My friends, Emily and Katherine, always support me and help me during my fasting time. I was also exited when my mom came to my class and made a presentation about Ramadan and `Eid. I really appreciated that."

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-10/19/04.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-Chicago: Melding Spirituality and School Life
[/SIZE]Ramadan, and other religious observances, present unique challenges for students in suburban schools Source: Daily Herald

Click here to view full text ... CAIR-CHICAGO: MELDING SPIRITUALITY AND SCHOOL LIFE

The bell chimes at 12:05 p.m.

Harris Hassan joins the hallway rush of teens bound for the one place students feed their need for food and face time: the cafeteria.

But Hassan detours to the library instead.

As a Muslim student in the midst of Ramadan - a monthlong fast that begins each day at sunrise and ends at sundown - the Lake Park High School cafeteria is a beehive of temptation Hassan avoids.

"I try thinking about God more than my social life," said Hassan, 16, of Bloomingdale. "We're really not supposed to do anything that will distract us from the real reason we fast." . . .

In Hoffman Estates, Conant High School sets aside an area where teens observe the afternoon prayer during Ramadan.

Sadaf Syed rarely uses it.

The 17-year-old senior prefers to stick to her routine - pray at home and catch up with friends in the cafeteria. That she chats while friends eat doesn't faze her.

"I try not to draw too much attention," said Syed, who also cuts down her TV time during Ramadan. "It's my choice to do this. I don't think anyone should pity me. If you do it long enough, you get used to it."

The holy month of Ramadan honors the revelation of the Quran to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The entire month is dedicated to God. Extra prayer and dawn-to-dusk fasts broken by the nightly Iftar feast with family members punctuate the observance.

"It's basically an exercise in resisting temptation and practicing self-restraint," said Ahmed Rehab, who heads the Chicago-based Council on American-Islamic Relations.

http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41307&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-TX: Fast-a-Thon Brings Texas U. Community Together
[/SIZE]Source: University Star

Click here to view full text ... CAIR-TX: FAST-A-THON BRINGS TEXAS STATE U. COMMUNITY TOGETHER

After 13 hours of fasting, Victoria Dominguez learned to appreciate some of the little things -- such as food and drink -- that are taken for granted on a daily basis.

"It's a lot of self-discipline," Dominguez, a Texas State University nutrition sophomore, said. "Going all day without food, you appreciate it so much more."

Dominguez, along with approximately 30 other students clad in sleepwear, gathered in San Jacinto Hall at 5:45 a.m. to eat breakfast and commence a daylong fast as part of the Muslim Student Association's second-annual Fast-a-thon.

The event is held to spread awareness about the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. MSA members invited students, faculty and residents to fast for one day to gain first hand appreciation for what Muslims endure during Ramadan, which includes abstaining from food, water, drink, smoking and sexual intercourse from sunup to sundown. . .

Eric Meek, Council on American-Islamic Relations vice president, spoke at the dinner to help the crowd understand some of the basic tenets of Islam.

"I'm speaking on behalf of Muslims defining themselves based on their religious teachings," Meek said.

Meek defined Islam as being Arabic for peace and lectured on the five pillars of the religion: Declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. He said Islam is a universal religion and message.

"Islam is the complete way for all people, all ethnicities throughout the world," he said. "It is a mega-rainbow of ethnicities."

http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41322&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

Ramadan ends in joyous mood

8,000 Muslims commemorate their holy month

After the 30-day period of piety, fasting and reflection that marks the Islam holiday of Ramadan, the mood was festive among some 8,000 Midstate Muslims gathered downtown Monday at the Nashville Convention Center to commemorate its end.

"It's a joyous occasion, the end of Ramadan," said Allen, a Nashville native and Islamic school kindergarten teacher.

"I've spent the last month contemplating the year spiritually. You can really mark your growth. Now we'll spend the week celebrating, go to Chuck E. Cheese and the Family Fun Center and visit with friends."

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061024/NEWS06/610240358