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The Holy Month in the United States

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Each year Ramadan offers an opportunity for American Muslims to educate America about the Islamic faith. This year, it is especially important to reach out to non-Muslims and shed light on the real religion of Islam.

American Muslims have been holding open house at local mosques and Islamic centers. They are participating in public lectures about Islam and the significance of Ramadan to Muslims. They have held Iftars for the homeless, canned food drives, and helped raise money to aid the needy. For Eid, the holiday which marks the end of Ramadan, Muslims are planning on holding Eid bazaars. And other such activities have been planned throughout the month of Ramadan.

A number of events have taken place in honor of the holy month of Ramadan. These events are a testament to the growing presence and influence of Muslims in the United States. The U.S. House of Representatives opened its session on November 15th with verses from the Qur’an (Chapter 5, Verse 8 and 9) and a Muslim prayer. Imam Yahya Hendi of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and the Imam of the Islamic Society of Frederick, Maryland, led the prayer. This was the third time Muslim prayers were offered in the House of Representatives. However, this year was the first time a Muslim chaplain was invited by the House of Representatives to mark the start of Ramadan.

As in previous years, the President of the United States wished Ramadan Greetings to the over 1 billion Muslims worldwide. President Bush said: “We send our sincerest wishes to Muslims in America and around the world for health, prosperity, and happiness during Ramadan and throughout the coming year.” President Bush went on to acknowledge that Islam is the fastest growing religion in America. He also mentioned the ongoing humanitarian relief effort the United States is providing for the Afghani people. President Bush hosted an "Iftaar" (breaking of the fast) dinner on November 19 at the White House for representatives of 53 Muslim nations. The event marked the first such gathering at the White House.

Secretary of State Colin Powell hosted an Iftar dinner for American Muslim leaders on November 29 at the State Department. Over 100 people from the American Muslim and Arab community nationwide attended the event, which began with the call to prayer. On this occasion, Secretary Powell recognized the "quiet heroism" of three American Muslims from the New York City police and fire departments who took part in the relief efforts in New York. In his speech, Powell also said, "This year marks the first Ramadan for many non-Muslim Americans who have been made aware of the great significance of this period for the first time in their lives. But there remains much ignorance and confusion about Islam, and that presents an opportunity for those of us who are not Muslim to learn from those of you who are." The Iftar was the third annual dinner held at the State Department.