CAIR Asks U.S. Mosques to Host 'Sharing Ramadan' Meals

Community outreach designed to reverse growth in anti-Muslim sentiment

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today launched its annual "Sharing Ramadan" outreach effort designed to enhance understanding of Islam and to help Americans of all faiths meet their Muslim neighbors by taking part in a Ramadan "iftar," or fast-breaking meal.

[Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. This year, Ramadan will begin on or about August 1, depending on the sighting of the new moon.]

"Individual and community outreach and interaction are key to reversing the current growth in anti-Muslim sentiment in our society," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Anyone who knows a Muslim on a personal level is much less likely to hold stereotypical views of Islam."

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He quoted the Quran, Islam's revealed text, which states: "O humankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of God is the person who is the most righteous." (The Holy Quran, 49:13)

Awad said CAIR is helping local Muslim communities organize "Sharing Ramadan" iftars by providing step-by-step instructions for hosting the events. The "Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2011" contains items such as a sample media advisory for an iftar, an advertisement for the event and a "Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking" brochure designed to be copied and distributed to iftar participants.

CAIR's resource guide is available online at:
http://tinyurl.com/sharingramadan2011  

The "Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2011" Table of Contents:

*Welcome Letter from CAIR Executive Director
*Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing an Iftar
* Sample Media Advisory
*Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking Brochure
*Ramadan FAQs
*Islam/American Muslims FAQs
*Sample Event Program
*Sample Newspaper Ad

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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Contact: Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, 202-744-7726, Email: [email protected]; Amina Rubin,  CAIR Communications Coordinator, 202-341-4171, 202-488-8787, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations