Monday, October 1, 2007

Ramadan Bill - US Congress

Updates:

10/02/07 - 5:oo PM- Tuesday - the house passed with 376 Yes! 47 did not participating- Zero no votes. The credit goes to Ilhaam "illy" Jaffer. Illy, we appreciate you - Mike Ghouse http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2007/10/ramadan-bill-us-congress.html

10/04/07 - GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition
10/04/07 - Tancredo refuses to Vote


RAMADAN BILL - US CONGRESS

This is HISTORIC for American- Muslims and Muslims around the world. This is the first time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and recognize the month of Ramadan as the Islamic holy month. The language from the bill text is below for your viewing.

110th CONGRESS
1st Session - H. RES. 635


Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 5, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.
.............................................................

As-Salaamu Aliakum,

Ilhaam "illy" Jaffer has worked hard in getting this bill through the Foreign Affairs Committee and it will be voted on the House Floor tomorrow by Congress. Call your congressman tonite or in the morning to support the bill. Please log on to http://www.congress.org/ and enter your zip code to get the information about your congressman. One call does more good than all the talk in parties.

I have worked closely with Ilham Jaffer on Congresswoman Johnson's youth initiatives. Illy was instrumental in making that program a grand success, where some 36 youth learned about leadership, interfaith dialogue and getting along with all to create a beautiful America.
.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is president of the Foundation for Pluralism and is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing interfaith, political and civic issues. He is the founding president of the World Muslim Congress with a simple theme: "Good for Muslims and good for the world." His personal Website is www.MikeGhouse.net and his articles can be found on the Websites mentioned above and in his Blogs: http://MikeGhouseforAmerica.Blogspot.com and http://MikeGhouse.Sulekha.com Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com - For a full bio: http://www.mikeghouse.net/ProfileMikeGhouse.asp

......................... GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition .........................

GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition
Posted October 3rd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
One of the most common elements of a day in Congress are votes on non-binding, symbolic resolutions that honor some person or event. They’re harmless votes, which are generally ignored.

Yesterday, however, the House took up a resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan and “demonstrat[ing] solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States” during this Muslim month of fasting. The measure passed without any opposition, as these resolutions nearly always do.

But this time, there’s a catch. 376 House members voted for it, while 42 members (41 Republicans and 1 Dem) voted “present.” Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) explained why.
“This resolution is an example of the degree to which political correctness has captured the political and media elite in this country. I am not opposed to commending any religion for their faith. The problem is that any attempt to do so for Jews or Christians is immediately condemned as ‘breaching’ the non-existent line between Church and State by the same elite,” Tancredo says in his statement.

Tancredo, predictably, doesn’t know what he’s talking about. First, Congress passes similar resolutions for all kinds of religious holidays, including Christmas, with nary a complaint from “elites” or anyone else. Second, unless Tancredo and his allies managed to turn the country into some kind of theocracy without anyone noticing, the line between church and state is not “non-existent.”

The ugly xenophobe’s spokesperson said he voted “present” instead of “no” because “a no vote could be construed as not commending religion in general.”

No, Tancredo is only hostile to some religions in specific. That’s much better.
.............. Tancredo refuses to Vote ..............
Tom ‘Bomb Mecca’ Tancredo Refuses To Vote For House Resolution Celebrating Ramadan
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution “recognizing the commencement of Ramadan” with 376 votes. The resolution sought to “demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States” during this Muslim month of fasting.

But some lawmakers couldn’t muster the courage to vote for the uncontroversial legislation. Forty-one Republicans and one Democrat chose to vote “present,” including Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO).

After the vote, Tancredo issued a press release decrying the Ramadan resolution:
“This resolution is an example of the degree to which political correctness has captured the political and media elite in this country. I am not opposed to commending any religion for their faith. The problem is that any attempt to do so for Jews or Christians is immediately condemned as ‘breaching’ the non-existent line between Church and State by the same elite,” Tancredo says in his statement.

Tancredo voted “present” and not “no” because “a no vote could be construed as not commending religion in general, which Tom is for,” said Tancredo spokesman T.Q. Houlton. Instead, Tancredo seems to only selectively hate religion. He had no problem voting for a House resolution celebrating Christmas.

In 2005, Tancredo suggested that the United States consider bombing Mecca as a “deterrent” against terrorist strikes on the U.S. homeland. He received intense criticism from conservatives for these remarks.

Also voting “present”? Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA), who earlier this year came under fire after expressing his fear that “we will have many more Muslims in the United States.”
The lessons Tancredo and Goode appear to have learned is that they need to do a better job masking their anti-Muslim bias.

6 comments:

  1. The Holy day of Ramadan should be established as is Christmas and Rosh Hoshana

    ReplyDelete
  2. MAS FREEDOM CELEBRATES UNANIMOUS 376-0 PASSAGE OF 'THE RAMADAN BILL'

    Historical Resolution Co-Sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASNET) Oct. 2, 2007 – MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS) announces and celebrates with the entire Muslim community, the unanimous passage of House Resolution 635 – 'The Ramadan Bill' – "recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith."

    Rick Jauert, Rep. Keith Ellison's Communications Director in Washington, D.C., confirmed the unanimous (376-0) vote in favor of the 'Ramadan Bill' took place earlier today before the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

    The resolution, originally submitted by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) (for herself, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), was brought to a vote before the Committee on Foreign Affairs early Tuesday morning and additionally states:

    "Whereas, since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

    Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

    Whereas, it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

    Whereas, Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

    Whereas, the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That--

    (1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

    (2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion."

    "This is indeed a symbolic, historic event and it again recognizes the growing religious pluralism of the United States, we wish to express our appreciations to the sponsors and co-sponsors of this resolution," stated MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.

    Passage of the Ramadan Bill is something the American Muslim community will be especially thankful for as they enter the 'Last 10 Days of Ramadan' beginning Oct. 3, 2007. The 'Last 10 Days' are marked, in emulation of the practice of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), by contentious exertion in devotion and worship – more so than in any other time during the Ramadan season.

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    MAS Freedom (MASF) is a civic and human rights advocacy entity and sister organization of the Muslim American Society (MAS), the largest Muslim, grassroots, charitable, religious, social, cultural, civic and educational organization in America – with 55 chapters in 35 states. Learn more at http://www.masnet.org.
    -------------------------------------------------------------

    MAS Freedom
    3606 Forest Drive
    Alexandria, VA 22302
    Tel: 1-(888)-627-8471
    Fax: (703) 998-6526
    URL: http://www.masnet.org/index_publicaffairs.asp
    Email: MAS4Freedom@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congress Crosses the Line. Where is the Outrage?

    Congressional Resolution HRES 635 EH:
    "House of Representatives ... acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal"

    First Amendment to the United States Constitution:
    "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Islam is NOT a true religion!

    It is a political doctrine (like communism), a pseudo-religion (like Naziism) and a satanic CULT!!!

    Where are your brains?

    Is anyone home in Washington?

    Not since traitor Keith Ellison has been elected.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mash'Allah, this is great news. To americaningermany is anyone home in your head? Did you know that Islam is the 2nd largest religion only to "christianity" and will soon be the largest?

    Recognize

    ReplyDelete
  6. The House passed a resolution, not a law, Muslims Against Sharia. They are not controverting the first admendment with this activity. This is a non-binding resolution that takes no action.

    ReplyDelete

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quraan burning

Planned Muslim Response to Qur'an Burning by Pastor Jones on September 11 in Mulberry, Florida

PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2013| Dallas, Texas

Mike Ghouse
Text/Talk: (214) 325-1916
MikeGhouse@aol.com

Mirza A Beg
(205) 454-8797
mirza.a.beg@gmail.com

www.WorldMuslimCongress.com


PLANNED MUSLIMS RESPONSE TO QUR'AN BURNING BY PASTOR JONES ON 9/11/13 IN MULBERRY, FLORIDA

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.






URL- http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html



Thank you.

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.