CAIR: U.S. Mosques Urged to Host 'Share the Quran' Ramadan Meals

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today launched its annual "Sharing Ramadan" outreach effort designed to enhance understanding of Islam and to help Americans of all faiths meet their Muslim neighbors by taking part in a Ramadan "iftar," or fast-breaking meal.

In this year's outreach effort, Muslim communities nationwide are being encouraged to take advantage of CAIR's "Share the Quran" initiative to provide Islam's holy text to local opinion leaders and policymakers who attend the dinners each year.

SEE: Share the Quran

http://www.explorethequran.com/

"Because many public officials, law enforcement authorities and community leaders are invited to Ramadan fast-breaking meals, it is a perfect opportunity to present them with a beautiful copy of the Quran for their reference libraries," said CAIR Board Chairman State Senator Larry Shaw (NC).

The CAIR Sharing Ramadan and Share the Quran campaigns are both designed to address the rising level of Islamophobia in American society. Research shows that anti-Muslim bias decreases when people have access to accurate information about Islam and are able to connect on a personal level with ordinary Muslims.

CAIR is also helping local Muslim communities organize "Sharing Ramadan" iftars by providing step-by-step instructions for hosting the events. The "Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2009" contains items such as a sample media advisory for an iftar, an advertisement for the event and a "Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking" brochure designed to be copied and distributed to iftar participants.

CAIR's resource guide is available online at:

http://tinyurl.com/knoxkm

'Sharing Ramadan" Guide Table of Contents:

-- Welcome Letter from CAIR Executive Director

-- Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing an Iftar

-- Sample Media Advisory

-- Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking Brochure

-- Ramadan FAQs

-- Islam/American Muslims FAQs

-- Sample Event Program

-- Sample Newspaper Ad

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787 or 202-341-4171