Islam

Muslims Observe Ramadan in Iowa

November 19, 2001

Source: Yahoo.com News

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20011119/us/mother_mosque_1.html

On November 19, 2001, Yahoo.com News reported that "as Muslims observe Ramadan against the backdrop of terrorist attacks and war, worshippers at the nation's oldest mosque say they take comfort in the support they have received from their neighbors...About 30 Muslims gathered Sunday at the Mother Mosque of America Islamic Cultural and Heritage Center to break the daily fast...

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Somerville's South Asian Community Celebrates Diwali

November 19, 2001

Source: The Boston Globe

On November 19, 2001, The Boston Globe reported that the Somerville, MA South Asian Center hosted a Diwali celebration "inside a tent at the Assembly Square Mall parking lot...Though the event is a Hindu holiday commemorating the epic hero Ramas's victorious return from exile, its organizers hope it sent a message of unity...The South Asian Center, a volunteer organization founded last December, is hosting a similar festival next month for the Muslim holiday Eid." Somerville is home to a large South Asian community; "a recent survey...

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Iftaar Dinner at the White House

November 19, 2001

Source: The White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/11/20011119-14.html

On November 19, 2001, the White House issued a press release, "President Hosts Iftaar Dinner." The president remarked, "America is made better by millions of Muslim citizens. America has close and important relations with many Islamic nations. So it is fitting for America to honor your friendship and the traditions of a great faith by hosting this Iftaar at the White House......

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Muslim Groups and the White House: Criticism and Controversy

November 18, 2001

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47194-2001Nov17.html

On November 18, 2001, The Washington Post reported, "Bush's Courting of Some Muslims Criticized; White House Cautioned to Avoid Groups, Individuals Who Defend Terrorism." The article noted that "Jewish groups and some conservatives have been lobbying the president to stop courting certain Muslim leaders who, they say, have equivocated on terrorism by...

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Editorial: "American Ramadan"

November 18, 2001

Source: The New York Times

On November 18, 2001, The New York Times featured an editorial entitled, "American Ramadan" by Jonathan E. Smaby. It noted, "The current need to emphasize the significance of Muslim Americans has the Republican administration -- unconsciously, perhaps -- broadening its vision of God and religion." It continues, "the president's response since Sept. 11 has demonstrated that what binds us together as a nation is not a common deity, but a commitment to certain ideals that transcend the religious beliefs of the citizenry. Important...

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Interfaith Thanksgiving, 2001

November 18, 2001

Source: The Star-Banner

http://www.starbanner.com/articles/breaking_news/1960.shtml

On November 18, 2001, The Star-Banner reported on an interfaith service in Ocala, Florida. The newspaper stated that the Muslim community will participate in this service for the first time. The article reported, "A combined choir from the various congregations will be singing 'God of Our Fathers.'" The article quoted Rabbi Harold Jaye: "'I think now more than ever the unity of...

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Kansas City Attempts to Better Understand Ramadan

November 17, 2001

Source: Kansas City Star

On November 17, 2001, the Kansas City Star reported that "since Sept. 11 more attention has been directed toward Islam. To further this understanding The Star has prepared this guide on Ramadan." A lengthy guide entitled "What is Ramadan?" follows that explains the history, the customs, and the significance of Ramadan. The guide concludes that "at the end of the month, Muslims have a huge celebration called Eid ul Fitr (or Id al-Fitr). Many communities, including Kansas City, hold combined celebrations, with Muslims throughout the...

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Ohio Muslim Students Request Time to Pray

November 17, 2001

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

On November 17, 2001, The Columbus Dispatch reported that "with the start of Ramadan, Islam's holy month of fasting, Muslim students at Centennial High School are pleading for time to pray. Mohammad Kandil, a 17-year-old junior, said he is among about 25 Muslim students who want to be excused briefly from class about 12:15 p.m. each day...Students are willing to make up classwork missed because of prayer, Kandil said...[Usually] students leave the school for the group prayer on Fridays and receive unexcused absences, he said....

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Ramadan Takes on New Significance

November 17, 2001

Source: Newsday

On November 17, 2001, Newsday reported that "while each Ramadan is significant to the global community, this year's observance takes on added meaning in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the conflict in Afghanistan, said Al-Haaj Ghazi Khankhan, director of interfaith affairs and communications at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury."

NBA Players Observe Ramadan Fast

November 17, 2001

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On November 17, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution featured the story "Ramadan brings Hawks focus" about two Muslim NBA players, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Nazr Mohammed. "Abdur-Rahim and Mohammed will awaken about 5 a.m. for morning prayers. They'll take fluids, eat breakfast before sunup and go back to bed to rest until time to go to shooting practice. They will conserve their energy during the day, while reflecting on life and their beliefs, Abdur-Rahim said. 'I find that I am calmer,' he said. 'I'm more...

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Faith Gets Muslims Through Difficult Times

November 17, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

On November 17, 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported that "as Ramadan begins, dedication to Islam is getting Muslims through what many view as the most difficult period in their years in the Conejo Valley."

Young Muslims Join Fast for Ramadan

November 17, 2001

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On November 17, 2001, The Houston Chronicle reported that "though not required, children as young as 7 or 8 sometimes fast during parts of the month [of Ramadan]. For them, making it through the whole month is often a cause of celebration for families...'It was a step toward maturity and you feel special, like you are one of the big kids,' said Aisha Ahmed, 16, who began fasting throughout Ramadan by the time she was 8...At first, children often join in the fasting to feel part of the family and not have solitary meals. But as...

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