Bill Summary
This legislation is a resolution that recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world. It acknowledges the meaning of the word "Islam" and the primary scripture, the Holy Quran, as well as the history and growth of the religion. The resolution also highlights the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam, including the Five Pillars. It acknowledges the significance of these practices in a Muslim's life and their role in promoting peace, equality, and social justice. The resolution also expresses solidarity and support for the Muslim community in the United States and worldwide.
Possible Impacts
1. The resolution recognizing Islam as one of the great religions of the world could affect people by promoting peace and equality, as these are values emphasized in the Islamic faith. This could lead to increased understanding and acceptance of Muslims in society.
2. The recognition of Islam as a monotheistic religion could affect people of other faiths who may have previously viewed Islam as a polytheistic religion. This could lead to improved interfaith relations and dialogue.
3. The resolution's mention of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca could affect Muslims who may have had plans to perform the Hajj in 2020. This could cause disappointment and frustration, as well as raise awareness about the impact of the pandemic on religious practices.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1090 Introduced in House (IH)]
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116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1090
Recognizing Islam as one of the great religions of the world.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 21, 2020
Mr. Green of Texas (for himself, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Omar, and
Ms. Tlaib) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing Islam as one of the great religions of the world.
Whereas this resolution may be cited as the ``Original Resolution Recognizing
Islam as One of the Great Religions of the World'';
Whereas the word ``Islam'' means ``submission to the will of God'' and
``peace'';
Whereas the primary scripture of Islam is the Holy Quran, which has 6,236
verses, or suras;
Whereas Muslims consider the Holy Quran in its original Arabic to be the book of
divine guidance;
Whereas although its roots go back further, the religion began in A.D. 622 when
the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) began his travels from
Mecca to Medina, Saudi Arabia, the first day of which began the Islamic
calendar;
Whereas Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity;
Whereas Islam is the fastest growing religion of the world;
Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,800,000,000 Muslims
worldwide;
Whereas Islam is a monotheistic religion, and Allah (meaning God in Arabic) is
the central deity;
Whereas Islam teaches Allah has 99 names, with each one having a different
meaning;
Whereas Islam is a complete system of strong moral convictions that promotes
peace, equality, and social justice;
Whereas the fundamental Muslim practices are known as the Five Pillars of Islam;
Whereas the five pillars are shahadah (declaration of faith), salat (prayer 5
times daily), zakat (give 2.5 percent of all earnings to charity), sawm
(fasting in the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi
Arabia);
Whereas the 5 daily prayers remove any barriers between believers praying in
congregations and helps one refrain from committing sins;
Whereas the obligatory charity purifies a person from selfishness and encourages
empathy to the poor;
Whereas fasting in Ramadan promotes self-restraint and spiritual renewal for
Muslims worldwide;
Whereas the pilgrimage to Mecca serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing
followers of diverse background together in religious celebration;
Whereas about 2,500,000 pilgrims visit Mecca each year for the Hajj, but in 2020
due to COVID-19, only around 1,000 pilgrims were allowed while adhering
to ``safety bubbles'' and social distancing measures over fears of the
coronavirus;
Whereas Muslims consider Islam to be a way of life; and
Whereas carrying out these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim's
life, and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a
single cloth of religious devotion: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, To demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of
the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world,
the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the
great religions of the world.
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