During the past few weeks, a Washington-based organization has offered local, like-minded groups a kit replete with talking points on how to promote themselves in the nation’s media and sell themselves to the public.
But the effort had nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans or Tuesday’s election. The organization is the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and the target date is Wednesday–the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month on Islam’s lunar calendar set aside for daytime fasting to learn discipline and self-restraint, as called for in the Quran.
Leaders of the country’s estimated 7 million Muslims are using the traditional month of prayer and fasting as a signature event to introduce their non-Muslim neighbors to their Islam–the global religion of peace and mercy. The hope is a month of open houses at mosques, interfaith dinners and community presentations might lead to a better understanding of one of the world’s great faiths.
“Every year Ramadan presents an opportunity to educate others,” said Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the council. “Of course the last two Ramadans it’s not been the best of atmospheres, but that just means it’s critical that people learn about Islam.
“It’s ignorance that leads to stereotyping and prejudice.”
The organization has put together a how-to packet that it now offers online, www.cair-net.org, instructing Muslim groups on ways to contact the media, schools and libraries.
The trend of opening up Ramadan and using it as a springboard is readily apparent in the Chicago area, where local mosques and Muslim groups are planning “Taste of Islam” events, public lectures, food drives and school presentations.
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is urging a month of outreach, which it plans to cap with a Nov. 26 interfaith dinner attended by Cardinal Francis George.
Local activities
Islam Awareness Week at the University of Chicago will features a series of events planned by the university’s Muslim Students’ Association. Events include lectures, films and music. On Wednesday night, graduate student Muhammad Zaman of the student group will lead a Ramadan discussion. Thursday’s events will include a panel discussion by Muslim converts.
