HP 1502

STATE OF MAINE
  _____
  IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
  TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX
  _____
  JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MUSLIM
  CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN
     WHEREAS, Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, a significant holy month
in the Islamic faith and a month of sacrifice in which Muslims fast the entirety of the month,
abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset; and
    WHEREAS, commencement of Ramadan begins on February 18, 2026, and Ramadan
continues for one lunar month; and
     WHEREAS, Ramadan is the holy month when millions of Muslims in the United States
fast not only to renew themselves spiritually but also to recognize their responsibility and
obligations to society at large and to take care of those less fortunate, regardless of their
religious or racial background; and
    WHEREAS, Muslims in Maine contribute greatly to charitable organizations that help
people from all faith backgrounds and also contribute greatly to society, serving as medical
professionals, teachers, first responders, journalists, writers, artists, athletes, small business
owners, professors, activists, community leaders and elected public officials; and
    WHEREAS, Muslims in Maine have a long history of contributions to our State, including
the building of one of the first mosques in North America in Biddeford in 1915; and
     WHEREAS, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as the day that marks the end
of the month-long sunrise-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan; now, therefore, be it
    RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Legislature
now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, in
observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month
of fasting, prayer, charity, reflection and spiritual renewal, take this opportunity to recognize
the onset of Ramadan and express our deepest respect to Muslims in Maine and throughout the
world on this significant occasion; and be it further
   RESOLVED: That We extend best wishes to all those of Muslim faith in Maine, the
United States and across the world for a joyous and meaningful observance of Ramadan.
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