LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim and commemorate New York State's observance of the Ramadan
Holiday, August 11, 2011

WHEREAS, It is a long and proud tradition of the State of New York to
recognize and applaud events which foster a spirit of community and
pride as they preserve and enhance the rich cultural heritage and ethnic
diversity of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim and commemorate New York
State's observance of the Ramadan Holiday, August 11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the
Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from
eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn until sunset; and
WHEREAS, Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and
spirituality; Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of
Allah, Arabic for God, and to offer more prayer than usual; and
WHEREAS, During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained;
the tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip; the eyes must
restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things; the hand must not
touch or take anything that does not belong to it; the ears must refrain
from listening to idle talk or obscene words; and the feet must refrain
from going to sinful places; and
WHEREAS, In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast,
therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total
commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins,
pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to
purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds; and
WHEREAS, As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary,
moving backwards approximately 10 days each year as it is a moving holi-
day depending on the moon; and
WHEREAS, Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Quran,
the central religious verbal text of Islam were revealed to the Islamic
Prophet Muhammad; and
WHEREAS, Our State and our nation are better because of the contrib-
utions Muslims have made to our strength and character over the gener-
ations; in celebrating Ramadan and their ancestry, Muslims may take just
pride in their many achievements and look to the future with confidence
in their abilities and faith in a brighter tomorrow; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim and commemorate New
York State's observance of the Ramadan Holiday, August 11, 2011; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.