06/27/2014 As Muslims begin the month of Ramadan, AIFD sends its blessings and renewed dedication to freedom for all
PHOENIX (June 28, 2014) – Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) issued the following statement regarding the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, June 28, 2014 or Ramadan 1, 1435 of the Islamic Hijri Calendar:
“Today, we begin the commemoration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. We wish all Muslims a ‘Ramadan Kareem’ and a blessed and rewarding month of fasting and self-reflection.
During this, the ninth month of our lunar calendar and the holy month of fasting, we are reminded to give thanks for our blessings, while keeping the suffering in our prayers and taking additional action to help them.
We are reminded of the sanctity and safety of this great nation which we call home, and which gives us the comfort and freedom to sincerely engage in the humble spiritual renewal that is Ramadan.
These are values many American Muslims all hold dearly, but may often come to take for granted.
As we abstain from food and drink during the day in this blessed land of freedom, we continue to remember, with a humble and solemn recognition, the Syrian people continuing to fight against unthinkable evil and great uncertainty. This year marks the fourth Ramadan in their revolution against Assadist tyranny. At the end of last Ramadan, the death toll had reached 100,000 with over 2,000,000 Syrians displaced. This Ramadan, the death toll is approaching 160,000, with over 5 million Syrians displaced. The millions of displaced Syrians see little hope in sight for the end of Assad’s killing machine and terror factory. It is this recognition – which calls us to the duty to serve our fellow man – which lies at the heart of Ramadan.
This Ramadan, we also reaffirm our commitment to advocate for those persecuted on the basis of their faith or their choice to reject religion; those suffering from gender and honor-based violence; and to take action to end these injustices.
The fast of Ramadan is a symbolic equalizer for all Muslims. From the very rich to the very poor we find common goodness in the challenges and rewards of the daily fast. The hunger and thirst we share allow us to find a common appreciation for the gifts we have at home and in this nation.
This month, we renew our daily efforts to remind our brothers and sisters of all faiths and none that we, as liberty-minded American Muslims, not only cherish western freedoms, but that the solution to global Islamist radicalism must come from liberty minded Muslims.
We are blessed to take this opportunity to wish Muslims worldwide a blessed and safe Ramadan, and a spiritually fulfilling fast.”
About the American Islamic Forum for Democracy
The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. AIFD’s mission advocates for the preservation of the founding principles of the United States Constitution, liberty and freedom, through the separation of mosque and state. For more information on AIFD, please visit our website at http://www.aifdemocracy.org/.
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