WHEREAS, The senate of the state of Washington take pride in recognizing and honoring Ramadan; a holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection that is observed by Muslims across the United States and throughout the World; and

WHEREAS, Islam is one of the world's major religions with over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, 2.5 million Muslims in the United States, and hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, The American Muslim community is among the most racially diverse faith groups in the United States and Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, and the observance of it is one of the five core pillars of Islam; and

WHEREAS, March 10, 2024, marks the commencement of Ramadan across the globe, where healthy, adult Muslims abstain from things like food, water, smoking, intimacy, and foul language from dawn to dusk as a way to connect more meaningfully with their faith; and

WHEREAS, Fasting is seen as a way to practice empathy for others, be more God-conscious, and cleanse the soul. It is a meaningful time to heighten worship and devotion while also practicing deeper self-reflection and self-restraint; and

WHEREAS, American Muslims, especially in Washington state, contribute greatly to the community at large to help people from all faiths by providing food to the hungry, refugee assimilation, medical assistance, legal aide, family services, relief efforts, and more; and

WHEREAS, Generosity is intensified during the holy month of Ramadan, and Muslims are obliged to donate more to charitable organizations and humanitarian efforts; and

WHEREAS, American Muslims have contributed greatly to the United States, serving as medical professionals, teachers, first responders, journalists, writers, artists, athletes, small business owners, professors, activists, community leaders, and elected public officials across government representing both major political parties; and

WHEREAS, Opportunities to learn about this religious month, practiced by Muslim Washingtonians, can help with community awareness and tolerance; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing and honoring this holy month, the Islamic faith, and contributions of the Muslim community can help reduce stigma and help combat the steep rise in Islamophobia and contribute to more social unity and community healing; and

WHEREAS, The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid Al-Fitr ("festival of breaking the fast"), a three-day Islamic holiday that will take place on April 9, 2024, or on the first day of the new moon sighting;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the senate of the state of Washington support and respect the Muslim community, and proudly acknowledge the Islamic faith and honor the experience of Muslim Washingtonians, regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or country of origin; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, We express our sincere best wishes to Muslims across the state and throughout the world for a joyous and meaningful observance of Ramadan during this significant month.