Ramadan Greetings To The Faithful from Elected Officials

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Council Member Jumaane D. Williams delivering remarks during a May 2017 press conference supporting Linda Sarsour, the former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York. Photo Credit: Stephen Witt, Kings County Politics

Elected New York officials have issued greetings to the faithful as Ramadan observances begin around the world.

“Tonight, many New Yorkers will join with family and friends to begin the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred time to reflect while fasting and practicing exceptional discipline and patience,” New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, in a statement. “Ramadan is a holiday that encourages gratitude and generosity, to appreciate all we have and to remember to put the needs of the less fortunate first. At a time when those who practice the Muslim faith are unfairly targeted, we must defend the right to free religious expression more than ever before. We must stand up to those who seek to divide us, because, as New Yorkers, our diversity is our strength. To those who observe, I wish you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”​

“I would like to wish the members of the Muslim community a blessed Ramadan,” State Senator James Sanders Jr., said. “This month of prayer, fasting and sacrifice marks the revelation of the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief. May you and your family be rewarded with mercy, forgiveness and joy as you embark on this period of spiritual reflection, self improvement and increased devotion to faith.”

Meanwhile, New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said: “Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims in New York and around the world. As the month during which Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, Ramadan is a time when Muslims across the world abstain from food and drink, among other things, from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan affords us the opportunity for deep reflection, for empathizing with others – especially the poor and marginalized – and for strengthening ties within and outside our communities. May this Ramadan be filled with meaningful fasts and fulfilling iftars. Ramadan Kareem.”

“I would like to wish my Muslim brothers and sisters a Ramadan Mubarak, or Happy Ramadan,” New York City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, said. “This holy month of fasting, charity and prayer is a time for reflection, a time to focus on self-reformation and how best to serve our community. These are lessons we can all apply to our lives, regardless of own personal creed.”

Williams continued: “In this time of xenophobic rhetoric and bigotry towards Muslims, let this month serve as a reminder of the peaceful tenets that Islam truly stands for, and not the extremist divergent views that are constantly perpetuated as the norm for Muslims. We cannot be passive when the leader of our country seeks to target people because of their faith, and place a ‘ban’ on Muslims simply because of their religion. We must be honest in making sure the practice of America lives up to its promise. May this Ramadan be a meaningful, spiritual experience for all who practice Islam. Ramadan Mubarak.”
 

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