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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, |
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Ramadan is a time when Muslims reinforce their spiritual beliefs by |
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fasting, worshipping, reading the Quran, practicing |
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self-discipline, and helping the less fortunate; in 2023, Ramadan |
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is beginning on March 22 with the expected appearance of the |
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crescent moon and lasts for the remainder of the lunar month; and |
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WHEREAS, During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink |
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from sunrise until sunset in an effort to deepen their faith and to |
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better understand the plight of the poor and hungry; Muslims break |
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their daily fasts by sharing meals, known as iftars, with family and |
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friends; and |
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WHEREAS, Muslims have been a part of the fabric of America |
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since the 1500s, when the first Muslims arrived as slaves with |
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colonial expeditions; today, Islam is one of the world's major |
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religions, with many followers across the United States and around |
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the globe; and |
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WHEREAS, While focusing on their spiritual growth during |
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Ramadan, Muslims affirm their commitment to working toward the |
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collective good of society and the well-being of people from all |
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walks of life, and it is indeed fitting to acknowledge the |
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significance of this special occasion to people of the Muslim faith |
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who call Texas home; and |
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WHEREAS, The first Iftar dinner at the State Capitol is |
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taking place on March 29, 2023, providing a fitting opportunity to |
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recognize the observance of Ramadan; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the first Iftar dinner at the State |
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Capitol and extend to Muslims across Texas sincere best wishes for a |
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joyous and meaningful observance of Ramadan. |