(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 5/18/16) – On June 6, the Muslim community in Oklahoma and around the country will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don).

Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn until sunset. The fast is performed to learn 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.

During the month of Ramadan, Oklahoma Muslims will participate in the 6th 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.

SEE: Ramadan Day of Service Event Page
https://www.facebook.com/events/596525283852500/

The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking on or about July 6.

To assist local Muslim community leaders, the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) has produced a “Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2016” that offers step-by-step advice on hosting an interfaith iftar, or fast-breaking meal, with their fellow Americans of other faiths and backgrounds.

SEE: CAIR Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2016
http://www.cair.com/images/Sharing_Ramadan_Resource_Guide_2016.doc

The resource guide includes instructions on forming a “Sharing Ramadan” committee, a sample media advisory for an iftar, advice on reaching out to local media, an advertisement for the event, text for a “Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking” brochure, frequently-asked questions about Ramadan, and a sample event program and newspaper advertisement.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR Oklahoma Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure, 405-430-9877, vlaizure@cair.com