As Muslims begin their fast of Ramadan AIFD sends its blessings and a remembrance of our challenges
Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOENIX (July 19, 2012) – Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, a devout Muslim and the 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:
“Today, we begin the daily commemoration of our 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 all reminded of the truly important elements of our lives and how we can strengthen them. We are reminded of our good health, our family, a renewal of faith, and our personal relationship with God.
We are reminded of the sanctity and safety of this great nation which we call home and gives us the comfort and freedom to engage in every facet of the humble spiritual renewal that is Ramadan.
These are the values we all hold dearly, but may often come to take for granted.
As we abstain from food and drink during the day, we are reminded of our brothers and sisters of all faiths in Syria who are dying in the thousands in the streets of their homeland at the barbaric hands of their own government. May our prayers and our works be dedicated toward ending their misery and helping to bring them as quickly as possible the freedom that we are blessed with. It is an appreciation of the Syrian people’s plight against evil and the uncertainty of whether they will have a meal, a home, or a family with which to live which lies at the heart and soul of Ramadan.
The fast of Ramadan is a symbolic equalizer for all Muslims from every part of humanity. From the very rich to the very poor, the fortunate or the less fortunate, during this month we find common goodness in the challenge and rewards of the daily fast. At the end of every day of fasting, the hunger and thirst we share is a deep humility that allows us to share a common appreciation for the gifts we have at home and in this nation.
We will in this month renew our daily efforts to remind our brothers and sisters of all faiths that we as America Muslims not only cherish western freedoms, but that the solution to global Islamist radicalism must come from moderate, liberty minded Muslims from around the world.
The daily hunger and thirst and recitation of scripture in the month of Ramadan remind us that all human beings are created equal. It is an equality that not only crosses social, economic, and cultural boundaries, but religious, political and geographical as well. It is a reminder of our shared humanity with every individual around the world.
It is with these thoughts and prayers in mind that we wish Muslims a blessed Ramadan and a rewarding and spiritually fulfilling fast this coming month beginning today.”
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/.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gregg Edgar
Gordon C. James Public Relations
602-690-7977
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