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* Yesterday was the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan…
A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is fard (obligatory) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating. The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar
* For the first time, the Illinois House has two Muslim freshmen. The House paused at sunset so the two members, Reps. Abdelnasser Rashid and Nabeela Syed, could speak. It’s definitely worth a look…
Speaker Welch catered the subsequent iftar.
* Rep. Syed’s speech was particularly touching…
I just wanted to add on that it is so cool to be here, to have the privilege to be on the House floor observing my fast. And even cooler is to have such kind and understanding colleagues who have checked in on me throughout the day, who have asked me questions about this important month, my favorite month of the year. And I’m just so, so grateful to live in a state that is so inclusive and so welcoming to religious minorities, to racial minorities, to women. So, thank you to my fellow legislators for making this state as inclusive as it is And Ramadan Mubarak. Thank you.
…Adding… From the meal…
When it was time for Iftar, we took a break from voting on bills for @reprashidil and I to speak about the importance of this month. Then, a few of us gathered in the back to eat a wonderful, halal meal that was catered by @SpeakerWelchIL. pic.twitter.com/HlfSgOg0Bz
— Rep. Nabeela Syed (@rep_nabeelasyed) March 24, 2023
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:05 am
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Very cool. Diversity is a good thing. It helps expand our experiences beyond the bubble we live in.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:16 am
One of the greatest things about the legislative session is all the different people and ideas that it brings together in one place. If you open your heart and mind just a bit, you will learn a lot and be a become a better person.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:20 am
Really really cool. This is a great country.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:20 am
I’m glad this was done. Other state legislatures aren’t so inviting.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-republican-state-representative-tony-tinderholt-votes-against-celebration-ramadan/287-26c1de51-2331-4af5-9181-fab55d7a8928
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:21 am
When Illinois and the legislature is at its finest.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:25 am
Inclusive is the goal. We’re still working towards that goal. This is a milestone, not the end of the trip.
It’s a milestone worthy of celebration but the road is still long.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:37 am
This is awesome to see.
Comment by thunderspirit Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:42 am
I know my opinion will be unpopular because I prefer we not talk religion in this setting of State Representatives. But, I must admit, it is refreshing to see it diverse and not a worn out discourse on Christian values.
Comment by Lurker Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 10:55 am
Illinois does have its share of problems and all that, to be sure. But seeing this and knowing that our state is welcoming and inclusive makes me extremely proud to be an Illinoisan.
Comment by workingfromhome Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 11:00 am
This is beautiful. A blessed Ramadan to all Muslims.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 11:05 am
To my Muslim friends:
May this month of Ramadan renew your faith and bring you new understanding of Allah’s will for us.
Comment by H-W Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 11:17 am
It does make me proud to hear our state described as “inclusive and welcoming.” It’s nice to hear our state celebrated by our elected officials. I’ve been rewatching the movie Breaking Fast, a romantic comedy set during Ramadan. One of the lead characters is named Kal El, amusingly misheard as Khalil, which makes me think of Metropolis.
Comment by Earnest Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 11:29 am
Occasions, such as this one fill my heart with immense happiness. Thank you.
Comment by Moi Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 11:40 am
This is great. I love the picture that includes a Jewish member attending and being welcomed at the iftar.
Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 11:50 am
Nabeela Syed is the future of Illinois politics. She will be elected statewide in the not too distant future and will go on to be elected President.
Comment by Early voter Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 12:14 pm
Rep. Syed’s remarks brought me to tears. We have a lot of problems in this country, but at the same time, we have come such a long way. It gives me hope.
Comment by Retired Lobster Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 4:08 pm
It’s great to see the inclusion. It is also nice that people understood that a break was needed so people who hadn’t eaten all day could get something to eat after sunset.
Comment by thoughts matter Friday, Mar 24, 23 @ 9:23 pm