Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,800,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year;

Whereas the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on April 23, 2020, and continues for one lunar month;

Whereas one of the purposes of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is for Muslims to gain a better understanding of the plight faced by those who are less fortunate;

Whereas Muslims contribute greatly to charitable organizations that help people from all faiths in the United States and around the world by providing medical assistance, family services, scholastic supplies, before- and after-school programs, feeding the hungry, and providing recuperation efforts following natural disasters;

Whereas Thomas Jefferson was the first President to host an iftar, the meal breaking fast during Ramadan, at the White House in 1805, and every President since 1996 has hosted an iftar for members of the community during their Presidencies;

Whereas the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development have hosted iftars through the years for staff and members of the diplomatic community;

Whereas the Department of Agriculture has hosted iftar dinners since 2008 to recognize and welcome interfaith dialogue and collaboration with individuals and organizations whose core values often overlap significantly with the mission of the Department, including disaster recovery, reducing food waste, ensuring access to nutritious food, and fostering safe, prosperous, and thriving communities;

Whereas the Pentagon has held an iftar dinner every year since 1999, recognizing the thousands of American Muslims serving in all branches of the United States military;

Whereas over 4,500 Muslims serve on active duty, and over 2,300 Muslims serve as selected reserve personnel in the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas this Ramadan, most Muslims around the world are making every effort to support self-quarantine and physical distancing due to the COVID–19 pandemic as advised by local, regional, State, and national public health or government authorities;

Whereas American houses of faith, community centers, schools, and other public centers have made a great sacrifice in suspending all nonessential gatherings until further notice, including services for major religious events such as Ramadan, Passover, and Easter; and

Whereas Muslims, like other faith communities, during these trying times are finding new ways to bridge the gap of physical distancing by celebrating their faith and Ramadan online through virtual congregational sermons and community events: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,