INTRA-FAITH meeting brings more warmth and solidarity

The UMAA (Universal Muslim Association of America) held its annual convention in the Sheraton hotel in Vienna Virginia DC, May 25-28. Of the speakers shown in this pictures are: Imam Elahi, Dr. Parviz Shah, Imam Sayed Mustafa and Imam Sayed Hassan Qazwini, Imam Faezi, Dr. Hamed Al-Bayati the Iraqi representative in UN, and Dr. Sayyid Syeed and Mohamed Elsanousi of ISNA. Dr. Syeed was cordially received by the Shia leaders and scholars at the conference and this provided a very warm environment for reinforcing the relationship betwee the ISNA

and UMA leadership. There was a reaffirmation of the Code of Honor signed by the Sunni and Shia leaders in Detroit, Los Angeles. ISNA invites all its members to sign the Code of Honor on ISNA website and on other websites like www.IslamicHouseofWisdom.com

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US CONGRESS PASSES RAMADAN BILL

(The U.S. Congress passed the resolution unanimously 376-0 on October 2,2007).

This is HISTORIC for American- Muslims and Muslims around the world. This is the first time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and recognize the month of Ramadan as the Islamic holy month. The language from the bill text is below for your viewing.

110th CONGRESS
1st Session - H. RES. 635

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 5, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. KEITH ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.

The Congress passed the resolution unanimously 376-0 on October 2,2007.

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