Eid Stamp Is Sign of Increased Acceptance of Muslims in America

November 28, 2000

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On November 28, 2000, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported that "as the Islamic world begins its observance of Ramadan, a monthlong period of fasting during daylight, more Americans are conscious of the Muslims among them," according to Ibrihim Hooper, spokesman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic relations. "A new U.S. postage stamp to commemorate Eid, the Islamic holiday breaking the Ramadan fast, is a positive sign of Muslim's acceptance in America, Hooper said. The commemorative stamp will debut next year...All Muslims past the age of puberty are obligated to refrain from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to dusk except for pregnant women, nursing mothers, the ill, the elderly, people who are mentally incapacited and those on a journey of more than 50 miles...The shorter daylight hours in late fall and early winter make the fast times shorter, said Hooper. But, he said, 'Ramadan isn't designed to be easy. That's why it's a fast.'"