Caring Causes: Community Ramadan Dinner July 12th (MN)

On July 12, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will host a Ramadan Dinner on Civil Rights, a "celebration of civil rights, community and courage." This event is part of the City of Minneapolis' celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

WHAT: CAIR-MN Ramadan Dinner on Civil Rights

WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, 300 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55445

CONTACT: CAIR-MN Director Nausheena Hussain, 612-206-3360, Email: nhussain@cair.com

"We invite the community to meet their neighbors, share a fast-breaking meal, learn about each other and stand against discrimination and intolerance," said CAIR-MN Director Nausheena Hussain. "Attendees will get an opportunity to listen to stories of courage and faith as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

She said the Civil Rights Act of 1964 helps ensure that members of our society are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Each year, CAIR-MN handles over 200 civil rights cases, including employment discrimination, school bullying and harassment, land use opposition, bias-motivated crimes, public accommodation discrimination, racial and religious profiling, and extra-judicial exile.

To more than 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, the month of Ramadan serves as a season of spiritual renewal and gratitude for the bounties bestowed on all human beings. It is a month in which families become closer, communities strengthen their foundations and individuals reaffirm their spiritual roots. Sharing and appreciation are essential components of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God's commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam. There are an estimated 150,000 Muslims in Minnesota and some seven million nationwide. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world.

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.