(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 6/9/2015) — The Oklahoma Muslim community will join Muslims from around the world in beginning the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don) on June 18. During this holy month the Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) will encourage dialogue between Muslim community members and elected officials by hosting an Iftar or Ramadan fast-breaking meal at the State Capitol and community service through its annual Ramadan day of service at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

SEE: 2015 CAIR-OK Ramadan Iftar at the State Capitol
http://www.cairoklahoma.com/event/2015_cair_oklahoma_iftar_at_the_state_capitol.html

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

SEE: 2015 Ramadan Day of Service at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
http://www.cairoklahoma.com/event/ramadan_day_of_service_at_the_regional_food_bank_of_oklahoma.html

“Ramadan is not only a time of spiritual renewal with the focus of obtaining nearness to God,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, “Ramadan is also an opportunity to put our beliefs into practice by fostering dialogue, building bridges of understanding, and most importantly helping our fellow Oklahomans in need.”

The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking on July 17.

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

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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Events Coordinator Anna Facci, 405-286-6009 ext. 3, afacci@cair.com