(LOS ANGELES, CA – 4/12/2021) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and approximately 500,000 Muslims in the Greater Los Angeles area and millions around the world will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don) that begins at sunset on Monday, April 12.*
[*NOTE: Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan may vary. Consult local Muslim communities for the beginning and end dates of Ramadan.]
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from before dawn until sunset. Fasting, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“The fast is performed to increase spirituality, discipline, self-restraint and generosity while obeying God’s commandments. CAIR-LA will continue to shift how we engage in the spiritual, educational and social aspects of the month in continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to engaging the American Muslim community through our series of webinars.”
The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” (eed-al-fitter) or Feast of the Fast-Breaking on or about May 12*.
“As we are seeing more people vaccinated and restrictions on places of worship being able to meet in person eased, I pray for this month to bring with it lots of blessings,” Ayloush said.
Elected officials at the local, state and federal levels are being encouraged to:
1) Introduce resolutions recognizing the commencement of Ramadan. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson annually introduces the U.S. House Resolution Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan.
2) Issue statements on April 12 welcoming the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Statements could include a press release, tweet, social media post, or video welcoming the start of the month and wishing their Muslim constituents well.
News media is also being encouraged to call local Muslim organizations for details about upcoming Ramadan activities.
CAIR offers guides to Muslim religious practices, which outline basic information about Islamic beliefs that are relevant to educators, employers, health care providers, law enforcement and correctional institutions.
SEE: Guides to Muslim Religious Practices
https://www.cair.com/guides-to-muslim-religious-practices
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-851-4851 or efields@cair.com