HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 46

RECOGNIZING RAMADAN AND MUSLIM RESIDENTS OF THIS STATE AS THEY OBSERVE RAMADAN.

WHEREAS, Islam is one of the world’s major religions and part of our shared human heritage; and

WHEREAS, from the early days of the pioneers to our present day leaders, Muslim Americans have played a significant role in the history of this State’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development; and

WHEREAS, there are several thousand Muslim Americans across this State, contributing to its economy, social fabric, and multicultural and pluralistic traditions; and

WHEREAS, the Muslim residents of this State, with their hard work and contributions to medicine, science, information technology, education, police, military, and many other fields, have benefitted from and enriched the State’s open, tolerant, and economically vibrant environment; and

WHEREAS, the United States benefits greatly from the expertise, patriotism, and humanitarianism of Muslim Americans, who represent 10 percent of America’s physicians, helping to heal hundreds of thousands of Americans each year; who have long distinguished themselves as courageous and dedicated members of the United States Armed Forces, fighting and sacrificing in every major war from the American Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts; and who regularly contribute to the health and vitality of their communities, giving food to the hungry, sheltering the needy, and providing inexpensive or free health services, among other community services; and

WHEREAS, although the Muslim Americans within this State and throughout the nation strive to promote peace and understanding between all faiths, identities, and nationalities while upholding those values and principles that define the American people, they have nonetheless been forced to endure harassment, assault, and discrimination since the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and the reports of incidents of anti-Muslim violence and vandalism in the United States have increased many folds in the last few months. It is therefore appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad invaluable contributions of Muslim Americans in this State and across the country, and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves; and

WHEREAS, Muslim Americans annually celebrate a month of fasting known as, Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar; and

WHEREAS, Eid al-Fitr, after the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, during the pilgrimage of Haj, were recognized by the 148th General Assembly through Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 81 on June 21, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need and marks an annual spiritual beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and express gratitude in this month; and

WHEREAS, during the month of Ramadan, all people are encouraged to reflect on past success and challenges of Muslims and look to the future to continue to improve our society so that we live up to ideals of freedom, equality, and justice; and

WHEREAS, as the month of Ramadan is observed, we must remember the critical importance of the respect that is to be accorded to all faiths and beliefs as reflected in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which forbids the making of any “law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise of religion.”

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 150 ^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the observance of the holy month of Ramadan as a month of fasting, sacrifice, and reflection and the Muslim residents of this State who daily contribute to the betterment of this State and this Nation be recognized.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 150 ^th General Assembly encourages all Delawareans to join the General Assembly in celebrating the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultures, and traditions of Muslim Americans, and committing ourselves to raise awareness and appreciation of the month of Ramadan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 150 ^th General Assembly encourages all governments, schools, and businesses throughout this State to extend religious accommodations, in accordance with existing law, to the many Muslim residents, students, and workers of this State as they celebrate Ramadan through fasting, sacrifice, and reflection.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes Ramadan and Muslim residents of this State as they observe Ramadan.