Islamic council applauds lawmakers for recognizing Ramadan

The Islamic Supreme Council of America on Thursday applauded two Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives for introducing legislation to support the issuance of a postage stamp recognizing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, Chairman of the Washington-based council, praised U.S. representatives Thomas Davis of Virginia and Dana Rohrabacher of California for sponsoring the bill.

The ISCA head said that one of the council's priorities is to obtain official recognition of Islamic holidays much the same as Jewish and Christian observances.

"In addition to Ramadan, we would like to see official recognition for the two Eid celebrations as well as the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday," Kuwaiti news agency KUNA quoted him as saying.

Davis said that Muslims represent "a growing and vibrant community" in the United States with six million Muslims now living in the Unites States.

"They have strong family values which they renew with their families and friends during Ramadan," the congressman said.

"Their sense of discipline, obedience and community during Ramadan is inspiring to us all," he said.