(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 5/10/2018) – On Wednesday, May 16, the Muslim community in Oklahoma and around the world will begin the month long fast of Ramadan (RAHM-a-daan). This holy month will be welcomed with community services projects and outreach to help those of other faiths better know the Oklahoma Muslim community.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other sensual pleasures from before dawn until sunset. The fast is performed to increase spirituality, discipline, self-restraint, and generosity while obeying God’s commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
SEE: CAIR-OK Employer’s Guide to Ramadan
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/employers-guide-to-ramadan-2016-2017/
During the month of Ramadan, CAIR Oklahoma and the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City (ISGOC) invite their fellow Oklahomans to know more about Islam, Muslims, and the holy month of Ramadan with their second annual “Revealing Ramadan.” The evening’s program will include a tour of ISGOC and a panel of Muslim professionals sharing their experiences of Ramadan. Dinner will also be catered from local restaurants.
SEE: Revealing Ramadan – A Look In on the Muslim Month of Fasting
https://www.facebook.com/events/215077615746681/
“Ramadan is about more than improving our relationship with God and increased worship,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “During our holy month of fasting it is imperative that we reach out to our neighbors and give back to our community in any way possible.”
Also during this month, Oklahoma Muslims will participate in the 8th Annual Ramadan Day of Service at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, packaging food for fellow Oklahomans in need while they observe their religious fast. More than 1,200 Oklahoma Muslims have participated in this annual event over the last eight years.
SEE: 2017 Ramadan Day of Service
https://www.facebook.com/events/362562147583888/
The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on June 15.
CAIR is America’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.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, aSoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure, 405-430-9877,vlaizure@cair.com.