WASHINGTON: Congressman Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing Islam as one of the great religions of the world.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Congressman Andre Carson (D-Ind).
The resolution acknowledges Islam as a significant world religion, highlighting its teachings, global presence, and contributions of Muslims to American society.
It also acknowledges Islam’s contributions to various fields of knowledge and highlights it as the second-largest and fastest-growing religion with around 2 billion followers worldwide, including 3.5 million in the United States.
Recognizing the Five Pillars of Islam as fundamental practices promoting peace, equality, and social justice, the resolution appreciates the contributions of American Muslims and affirms religious freedom as a key Islamic teaching.
TEXT OF RESOLUTION
Whereas the word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God” and “peace”;
Whereas the primary scripture of Islam is the Holy Quran, which has over 6,000 verses, or 114 chapters.
Whereas Muslims consider the Holy Quran to be the book of divine guidance;
Whereas Muslims frame their way of life around the Hadith, a collection of traditions and quotes of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him).
Whereas, although its roots go back further, the religion began to spread rapidly in A.D. 622 when the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) began his travels from Mecca to Medina, the first day of which began the Islamic calendar;
Whereas the Quran states that “the ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr”, leading to a focus on science, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy throughout Islamic culture.
Whereas Islam is the second largest and fastest growing religion of the world;
Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Muslims worldwide;
Whereas there are approximately 3,500,000 Muslims in the United States, ranging from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds; whereas American Muslims make significant contributions to the Nation’s economy, diversity, philanthropic efforts, medical and scientific research, civic engagement, and more.
Whereas the first substantial population of Muslims in the United States were enslaved Africans, many of whom were forced to abandon their faith by slave owners; and
Whereas Islam is a monotheistic religion, and Allah (meaning God in Arabic) is the central deity;
Whereas Islam teaches that Allah has 99 names, with each one representing His characteristics, such as The Merciful or The Provider; whereas Islam is a complete system of strong moral convictions that promotes peace, equality, and social justice; Whereas Islam charges that governments should always be focused on equity, justice, and compassion; Whereas Islam teaches and upholds the equality of all people, regardless of race or social status, abolishing systems that are against it, including the caste system; Whereas the Quran speaks about tolerance between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Whereas the fundamental Muslim practices are known as the Five Pillars of Islam; whereas the five pillars are shahadah (declaration of faith), salat (prayer 5 times daily), zakat (give 2.5 percent of all earnings to charity), sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia).
Whereas the 5 daily prayers are designed to remove any barriers between believers praying in congregations and help one refrain from committing sins; whereas the obligatory charity is designed to purify a person from selfishness and encourages empathy to the poor; whereas fasting in Ramadan promotes self-restraint and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide; whereas the pilgrimage to Mecca serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse backgrounds together in religious celebration.
Whereas Islam explicitly teaches that there is no compulsion in religion, and one is free to practice or reject any religion; whereas Muslims consider Islam to be a way of life;
Whereas the major holidays that Muslims observe are Eidal Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, respectively.
Whereas Muslims follow the Islamic Lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, wherein a new month is said to begin each time a new moon is sighted; and whereas carrying out these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim’s life, and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a single cloth of religious devotion: Now, therefore, be it resolved, 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.
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