88R19723 BPG-D
By: Bhojani H.R. No. 613
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Ramadan, the ninth month of the year on the Islamic
calendar, is a time when Muslims in Texas and around the world focus
on peace and self-improvement; and
WHEREAS, On the Muslim lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan
begins and ends with the sighting of the crescent moon; Muslims
affirm their spiritual beliefs by fasting from sunrise to sunset, a
practice that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam; it cultivates
self-discipline, gratitude, and compassion for those less
fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Fasting is a requirement of all Muslims who have
passed the threshold of puberty, with exemptions for those with
certain conditions, such as pregnancy or illness; each day of
abstention from eating and drinking is bracketed by the first meal
of the day, Suhoor, and the meal that breaks the fast, Iftar; many
mosques host daily community dinners where people can break their
fast together; families often invite guests to Iftar and then
proceed to the mosque for the nightly prayer and a special Ramadan
prayer, taraweeh, during which the prayer leader recites at least
one thirtieth of the Qur'an, in order to recite the entire Qur'an by
the end of the month; and
WHEREAS, Ramadan is a time of intense reflection and
spiritual rejuvenation, with more precious moments devoted to
reading the Qur'an and performing appropriate prayers; moreover,
adherents participate in charitable giving, and many mosques hold
food drives and fundraisers for philanthropic organizations; some
mosques host open houses to welcome friends and neighbors of other
faiths to share the bounty of Iftar; and
WHEREAS, The end of Ramadan is marked by a major holiday, Eid
ul-Fitr; a special prayer and sermon in the morning are followed by
a community celebration, and friends and family spend the day
socializing, eating, and reuniting with old acquaintances; food,
games, and presents for children are important elements of the
festivities; and
WHEREAS, While concentrating on spiritual growth during
Ramadan, Muslims also strengthen the bonds of community and express
their faith through efforts in behalf of the collective good, and it
is truly fitting to acknowledge the deep significance of this
important season; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the holy month of Ramadan 2023 and
extend to Muslims across the Lone Star State sincere best wishes for
a meaningful and joyous observance.