(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 05/25/2017) – On Saturday, May 27, the Muslim community in Oklahoma and around the country will begin the month long fast of Ramadan (RAHM-a-daan). This holy month will be welcomed with community service 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-OK 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 a new initiative called “Revealing Ramadan.” The evening’s program will include a tour of ISGOC and a panel of young Muslim professionals sharing their experiences of Ramadan. Dinner will also be catered from a local restaurant.
SEE: Revealing Ramadan – A Look In on the Muslim Month of Fasting
https://www.facebook.com/events/354422428293772
“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 7th 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 1,000 Oklahoma Muslims have participated in this annual event over the last seven years.
SEE: 2017 Ramadan Day of Service
https://www.facebook.com/events/1893201917621904
The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on or about June 25.
CAIR Oklahoma is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties of all people, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR Oklahoma es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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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