HomeMy Public PortalAbout04182023 Eid al-Fitr
Recognizing Eid al-Fitr, the End of Ramadan
WHEREAS, Bothell has a thriving Muslim community whose members contribute to our city as doctors,
nurses, teachers, small business owners, volunteers, among others; and
WHEREAS, Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is
the 9th month of the Islamic calendar year; and
WHEREAS, Ramadan 2023 began on March 22 and lasts 29 to 30 days based on the timing of the
crescent moon; and
WHEREAS, Muslims around the world observe the month by fasting each day from the break of dawn
to sunset; and
WHEREAS, the daily breaking of fast, called Iftar, at sunset is often celebrated by family and community
gatherings; and
WHEREAS, one of the purposes of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is for Muslims to gain a
better understanding of the plight faced by those who are less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, the American Muslim community is among the most racially diverse faith groups in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, an estimated one-third of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas, including the
American colonies, later known as the United States of America, were Muslim, and made innumerable
contributions to the founding and construction of our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Ramadan reminds us that Islam has always been a part of America and Muslims have made
extraordinary contributions to our country; and
WHEREAS, the end of Ramadan is commemorated by the Eid al-Fitr, which translates to ‘festival of
breaking the fast,’ a joyous occasion marked by sharing sweets, gifts, and good tidings with family,
friends, and neighbors; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mason Thompson, Mayor of the City of Bothell, do hereby proclaim April 21, 2023
as Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan and affirm our City’s commitment to ensuring that our City values
remain welcoming and compassionate and that we pursue policies that respect the dignity and rights
of all people, regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or country of origin.
Signed this 18th day of April, 2023.
___________________________
Mason Thompson, Mayor
Mason Thompson (Apr 18, 2023 19:29 PDT)
Mason Thompson