American Ramadan

[Cordoba]

Greetings and Peace to All:

This is a new film on American Muslims in Ramadan shown on PBS which may be of interest:

http://www.americanramadan.com
(Part of it can been downloaded or watched on-line)

A summary on the film which presents 5 families & 5 stories in the Dallas and Los Angeles area is also available from IOL:

Film Celebrates American Ramadan

All the best.​

 

[Cordoba]

THE START OF RAMADAN 2006/1427 in the US

Zaytuna Institute adheres to the traditional principle that Islamic lunar months begin and end based on the confirmed, verifiable sighting of the new crescent moon(click here for more info).

We encourage everyone to go out to look for the moon on Friday night, however, Muslim astronomers have indicated that the new moon will be practically impossible to sight anywhere in North America on Friday.

We are thus anticipating the sighting and the start of Ramadan to occur on Saturday night with the first day of the fast on Sunday. There is also a strong possibility that the moon won't be sighted even on Saturday, and, in such case, Ramadan would start Sunday night with Monday being the first day of the fast.

Please check the Zaytuna website for updates and moon sighting reports. We highly encourage everyone to go out to look for the new moon. The crescent would be visible shortly after sunset, slightly to the left, and above where the sun had set. It is a beautiful experience to sight its emergence, and it is a sunnah of our noble Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa salam, that we hope the ummah revives.

http://zaytuna.org/

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-CT: Connecticut Muslims Prepare to Mark Holiest Month
[/SIZE]Source: Norwich Bulletin

Click here to view full text ... Muslims all around the world are preparing for the holiest month of their year: the ninth month, when they will celebrate Ramadan.

That is the time period when, according to Muslim belief, the Koran was revealed. In the United States, Ramadan begins Saturday, in accordance with the lunar cycle.

Combining 30 days of fasting during daylight hours along with night prayers and reflections, Ramadan focuses on self-control and devotion. Muslims are asked to reflect on the past months while looking forward to a better future, according to Hamza Collins of the Council of American Islamic Relations of New London. "Ramadan is a time to offer apologies for past wrongs, to better ourselves and to prepare for the time ahead," Collins said.

http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41034&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-CA: Bay Area Mosques Share Ramadan
[/SIZE]Mosques Open Doors Weekend!
Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Bay Area Mosques invite you to celebrate Ramadan.

Seven Bay Area Mosques are opening their doors on the weekend of October 7th and 8th to break fast with friends, neighbors, interfaith leaders and public officials in the tradition of building community during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Sharing Ramadan" is an outreach effort designed to enhance understanding of Islam and to help Americans of all faiths meet their Muslim neighbors by taking part in a complimentary Ramadan "iftar," or fast-breaking meal.

Please reserve your seats early: [URL="http://www.myvillage.us/my/ramadan"]www.myvillage.us/my/ramadan[/URL]


http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=40916&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Remembrances of a First Ramadan [/FONT]
By Aisha Robertson

I could hardly wait for my first Ramadan because this would be the pillar of Islam that I would do with the whole Muslim community. It is true that fasting is an individual act. However, breaking the fast and sharing iftars (meals to break the fast) along with performing the Tarawih Prayer are things that are usually done collectively. ...

I was not sure if I could do it, especially being in America where most people are not Muslim and daily life is not adjusted for Ramadan. But I knew that if Allah commanded me to do it then it was possible.

Remembrances of a First Ramadan

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Introducing Islam in the US:[/FONT]

A 9 minutes video by American Muslims

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEncIjKvDws

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-Philly to Host 'Sharing Ramadan' Dinners
[/SIZE]CAIR-PHILLY TO HOST 'SHARING RAMADAN' DINNERS

CAIR-Philadelphia invites people of all faiths to join American Muslims at the annual "Sharing Ramadan" event.

The CAIR initiative is designed to address the rising level of Islamophobic prejudice in American society. Research shows that anti-Muslim bias decreases when people have access to accurate information about Islam and are able to connect on a personal level with ordinary Muslims.

WHERE: The Foundation for Islamic Education, 1860 Montgomery Ave., Villanova, PA
WHEN: Saturday October 7th at 6:30 p.m. (Please RSVP by Wed. 10/4), Saturday October 14th at 6:15 p.m. (Please RSVP by Wed. 10/11)

Dinner will be served immediately after sunset prayers and then a short presentation on the significance of Ramadan.


http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41101&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-OH: Cincinnati Muslims Feed Needy During Ramadan
[/SIZE]
(CINCINNATI, 9/27/06) - On Sunday, October 1, 2006, the Cincinnati office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Ohio (CAIR-Ohio), the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and Al As-hab Islamic Center will mark the Muslim fast of Ramadan by providing hot meals to more than 500 residents of the city's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

WHAT: 4th Annual Ramadan "Feed the Hungry" Program
WHEN: Sunset, Sunday, October 1, 7:25 p.m.
WHERE: On 13th St. between Vine & Race Street, Cincinnati, OH (near Al As-hab Islamic Center)

http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41100&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CA State Reps Attend CAIR-CA Capitol 'Iftar'
[/SIZE]CAIR-CA: CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS ATTEND CAIR-CA CAPITOL 'IFTAR'

(SACRAMENTO, CA, 9/28/06) - On Wednesday, September 27, several California state legislators attended the third annual iftar, or Ramadan fast-breaking meal, hosted by the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) at the California State Capitol.

The Muslim community was presented with a resolution recognizing the commencement of the month of Ramadan. Several legislative staff were honored by CAIR-CA for their dedication to serving the local community.

Assembly Member Dave Jones, who sent a greeting to the local Muslim community at the beginning of Ramadan, gave the keynote address and expressed his appreciation to the local Muslim community for its contributions to the diversity and richness of California.

"We thank all the elected officials who co-sponsored the resolution and demonstrated that American Muslims are a part of the social and religious fabric of this country," said Hamza El-Nakhal, President of CAIR's Sacramento Valley chapter.

http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41113&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]FL: Muslim Athletes Fasting in Ramadan
[/SIZE]Source: Tampa Tribune

Click here to view full text ... FL: THE FAST TRACK

After watching nearly 40 teenage bodies collide with the frequency of lightning strikes, all in a Florida afternoon humidity that makes blinking a strenuous exercise, King football coach Joe Severino finally gave his team its biggest reward.

A water break.

King senior defensive end Ali Khan trotted over to the portable water station with his teammates. The players took turns at the spigots, drinking with the ferocity of people who had been stranded in the Sahara for several days.

Khan was more careful.

He sprayed the cool water over his face, never once letting it touch his tongue. Khan used the water to satisfy his outer body, but his inner body was quenched with a deeply rooted belief.

Khan is a practicing Muslim who is observing Ramadan, which requires him to fast from sunup to sundown, avoiding water and food. The religious observation began Saturday and runs through Oct. 23.

King backup kicker Achmed Chehab is also a Muslim observing Ramadan.

Both will be fueled by determination when King (2-3) hosts Alonso (3-1) in a Class 5A-District 6 game tonight at 7:30.

"I've been doing this two years prior, and I have to prepare myself in the morning when I wake up - drink a lot of fluids and get ready for practice that day," Khan said. "You've got to work with it. You've got to live with it. You just have to wait until sunset, 7:20 p.m. or 7:23 p.m., and prepare yourself mentally. Physically, I'm a little tired, but when it comes down to it, it's all about the mentality."


http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41136&theType=NB

 

[seed757]

Jazakallah khair Brother Cordoba for all of your post. They are immensely appreciated(at least from me).

Especially that last one. That was very inspiring.

I pray that Allah will richly bless you for all of your efforts.

 

[Cordoba]

Thanks Seed, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]US Muslims Get Closer in Ramadan[/FONT]

WASHINGTON — For many American Muslim families, Ramadan is not just a time of worship and contemplation, but a time to strengthen family and community ties as well.

"Iftar is a special time for the family," Hassan Al-Alamy, a medical technologist by profession and a father of three, told IslamOnline.net. ...

One Big Family

Some Muslims get their daily iftar at the mosque to meet their friends and enjoy their time with the Muslim community.

"As you know, we have no families here. My friends are like my stepfamily that I can’t live without," said Afaf Raouf, an Egyptian-born mother of two.

"We have iftar at the mosque almost every day. After my husband returns from work, we take the kids to the mosque," she said.

"We eat together with our friends and pray together. It gives Ramadan a special taste."

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-10/03/01.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]US Visa Mishap, Teens Lead Tarawih Prayers[/FONT]

The detention and later deportation of some scholars who were invited by American Muslims to lead Tarawih prayers during Ramadan have upset plans by several Islamic centers for the holy fasting month, though some lessons are being driven.

"We need to get answers from our government," Nihad Awad, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), told the Washington Post on Sunday, October 1.

A number of Muslim scholars and imams invited by local American Muslims to lead the Ramadan prayers have been denied access into the country without explanation.

Ismail Mullah, described as soft-spoken scholar born in India's Gujarat state and based in South Africa, was turned away after his arrival at Dulles International Airport.

The same happened with at least four other scholars prompting CAIR, the largest Islamic civil liberties group in the US, to demand clarifications.

"We want people to be abiding by the law. We want to protect our country ... At the same time, we just want to make sure we do not step on people's rights and that we continue to be an open and welcoming society," said Awad.

CAIR wants to know why the government waited until the men arrived in the country instead of denying their visas early enough for the mosques to find replacements.

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-10/01/07.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]Good News: MN Muslim Workers Granted Ramadan Break
[/SIZE]GOOD NEWS: MN MUSLIM WORKERS GRANTED RAMADAN BREAK

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/4/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today said that Muslim employees at Lake Region Manufacturing in Chaska, Minn., have been given the right to take their break at sunset during the month of Ramadan.

The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group received a report that employees were being forced to wait to break their Ramadan fast until almost two hours after sunset.

(Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.)

After CAIR sent a letter to the company, the workers were allowed to take their break at sunset.

http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=461&theType=AA

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-CA: Muslims Gear Up for 'Humanitarian Day'
[/SIZE]Feeding the Homeless in the Spirit of Ramadan (SAN JOSE, CA, 10/4/06) -

On Saturday, October 7, the Rahima Foundation, the San Francisco chapter of the Council on American Islamic-Relations (CAIR-SFBA) and other Muslim organizations from around the Greater San Francisco Bay Area will host the third annual Humanitarian Day for the Homeless in San Jose, CA.

During the event, Muslims will provide hot meals, water, t-shirts, and hygiene packages to San Jose's homeless community.

The coalition selected the holy month of Ramadan as a global observance that transcends race, religion and gender in a spirit of love, equality, and respect for each other and all of humanity.

"Ramadan is a time of increased compassion and caring for others. Our goal is to give the homeless community hope and relief to ease their struggle," said Habibe Husain, founder of the Rahima Foundation, the event's primary organizer.

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: South Bay Islamic Association, 325 N. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA (Across the street from the Salvation Army Parking Lot)


http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41195&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]US Reverts Remember First Ramadan [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islamonline.net met several American reverts to share the story of their first Ramadan, their feelings of fasting for the first time, the challenges they faced from their families and workplace, and the support of the Muslim Community.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"I found so much peace during my fast and took interest in reading books on Islam during this time," Kamillah, who embraced Islam 30 years ago, recalled.[/FONT]

US Reverts Remember First Ramadan

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ramadan with an American Twist [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]While Muslim-Americans like Sufi have adjusted Ramadan to American life, more Americans have also become increasingly aware of Ramadan, and have sought to accommodate Muslims. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]For example, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., the prayer hall stays open late to accommodate students praying Taraweeh, special prayers performed only during Ramadan. And many employers[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif] are letting Muslim employees slip out at sunset so they can break their fast.[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-MI Rep Speaks at Ford Ramadan Iftar
[/SIZE]Source: Arab-American News CAIR-MI: FORD MOTOR HOSTS IFTAR DINNER

DEARBORN - Ford Motor Company hosted its 6th annual Ramadan fast breaking Wednesday, an event attended by around 150 Muslim and non-Muslim guests.

The evening program took place in the Ford Credit building's cafeteria and was themed, "Ramadan: The Month of Forgiveness and Reconciliation."

Speakers included Mike Bannister, CEO of Ford Credit; Paul Nussbaum, Executive Vice President of Ford Credit; Dawud Walid, Executive Director for the Michigan chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Michigan); and Ramzi Mohammad, a scientist and professor of cancer biology at Wayne State University (WSU). . .

After the Ford officials, Walid - the first keynote speaker - came up. "These types of gatherings are a good way for all of us to become more acquainted with one another and open up the way to communication," he said.

"When a Muslim involves himself with reading the Qur'an more in this month, as regardful Muslims do, this reading should awaken them to the mistakes that they have made for themselves and to others.

"The act of fasting should sharpen one's mind as blood flow which is ordinarily used for digesting the food is diverted to the brain. It is a great time for reflection and deep thought as well as change.

"Asking for forgiveness in Islam should mean recognizing one's mistakes and having a desire to not commit those mistakes again. This is the true repentance. And whoever does not show mercy to others shall not receive mercy. This is a central theme present in the holy month of Ramadan."

http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=41233&theType=NB

 

[Cordoba]

[SIZE=+2]CAIR-OH: 700 Attend Cleveland ‘Sharing Ramadan’ Interfaith Iftar
[/SIZE]700 ATTEND CAIR-OHIO ‘SHARING RAMADAN’ INTERFAITH IFTAR

(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/11/2006) – The Cleveland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Ohio Chapter (CAIR-OH) hosted its third annual “Sharing Ramadan” iftar on Saturday, October 7, at the Joseph Cole Center in downtown Cleveland.

In attendance were hundreds of civic and religious leaders from northeast Ohio as well as representatives from local, state and national political campaigns. Proclamations were presented by the offices of the Ohio Secretary of State and Governor Bob Taft.

I-CAIR awards were presented to Plain Dealer religion reporter, David Briggs for fairness in media and to Haseeb Abid and Ibrahim Shamsi for South Asian Earthquake relief work.

Keynote speakers included: Imam Nader Taha of the Islamic Center of Akron and Kent; Dr. Paul Schroeder of Families of the Fallen for Change; and leaders of the interfaith movement “We Believe Ohio” who spoke about religious pluralism in Ohio and their economic and social vision for the state.

“The month of Ramadan is a time of great thanks for God’s mercy,” said Isam Zaiem, Chair of the Cleveland office of CAIR-OHIO. “It’s also a chance to explain more about Islam and Muslims in order to promote understanding and goodwill.”

http://cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=2288&theType=NR