Ramadan Publicity Kit (CAIR)
CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
1050 17th Street N.W., Suite 490
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 659-2247
Fax: (202) 659-2254
E-mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com
http://www.cair-net.org
Dear Imam, activist, community leader, committee, brother or
sister:
As-salaam alaykum. Peace to you.
This resource kit has been developed to assist your
community in publicizing Ramadan events and activities. It
is designed to provide you with the raw materials with which
you can contact the media and, through them, people of other
faiths in your area.
HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE KIT:
1. Read the "Ramadan Publicity Campaign Summary and Tips"
provided in this kit. You will probably not achieve all
these objectives, but the list will give you an idea of what
is possible. Also study the "Talking Points" at the bottom
of that page. These are the key points you will want to pass
on to people of other faiths.
2. Photocopy pages such as "Ramadan Q&A" and "Islam in
America - The Facts." These pages can be distributed in the
materials you send to the media and hand out at open houses.
The announcement for Ramadan will be sent to national and
regional media by CAIR, but the local communities should
make contact with local media. (Call CAIR if you need a
local list of media addresses and phone numbers.)
3. Re-type the "Media Advisory" and the "Public Service
Announcement" on your group's letterhead. If this is too
difficult, you may just fill in the blanks on the originals
and sent them that way. This is not the best approach, but
it is better than nothing. NOTE - If you would like these
materials on computer disk (Microsoft Word 6.0) send a blank
disk and a self-addressed stamped envelope to CAIR at the
above address.
4. Print copies of the Mosque Open House brochure for
distribution at your Islamic center's event.
5. Distribute your announcements to the media no later than
TWO WEEKS before any event.
6. Make phone calls to follow up with editors, producers,
talk show hosts, etc.
7. Call CAIR if you have any questions, or if you do not
understand any part of the Resource Kit.
8. Clip news articles and record TV items. Send originals of
newspaper clips (please include the front page of the paper
for our files) and clear video copies to CAIR. Your
community may appear in CAIR's next publication or video
production.
-----
RAMADAN PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN SUMMARY AND TIPS
OBJECTIVES
NEWSPAPERS (Each editor needs to be contacted individually
by phone and fax or mail.)
I. Feature article on Muslim community - Contact "Feature
Editor" and "Religion Editor"
II. Food section article on Ramadan recipes - Contact "Food
Editor"
III. Calendar items on open house and Eid prayers - Contact
"Community Calendar Editor" and "Religion Calendar Editor"
IV. Letters to the editor about true image of American
Muslims - Contact "Letters Editor"
V. Opinion articles about stereotyping of Muslims - Contact
"Editorial Page Editor"
VI. Photograph of Eid prayers and/or Eid bazaar - Contact
"City Desk" and "Photo Editor"
TELEVISION
I. News package (approx. 1.5 minutes in length) about local
Muslim community and Ramadan - Contact "News Assignment
Editor"
II. 30 second video item on Eid prayers/open house/bazaar -
Contact "News Assignment Editor"
III. Announcements at beginning of Ramadan and time of
sunset each day - Contact "Meteorologists" and "Anchors"
IV. Daily "Ramadan" announcements - Contact "Public Service
Director"
RADIO
I. Talk show appearances by community leaders discussing
Ramadan - Contact "Show Producer"
II. Public Service Announcements (free announcements by
radio station) of Ramadan activities - Contact "Public
Service Director"
SCHOOLS
I. Lectures on Ramadan in religion and social studies
classes
II. Bringing Eid treats to co-workers and classmates of
Muslim students
III. Requesting school administrators to allow Muslim
students to take the first day of Eid off and adjust
homework load
LIBRARIES
I. Reserve display cases for January and install a Ramadan
display. Include Islamic artifacts (Quran, textiles,
cultural items), books on Islam, etc. Ramadan posters are
also available in multicultural holiday bulletin board sets
(look in the Yellow Pages under School Supplies; ask for
Carson Delarosa Item #CD-698, Trend #T-1886, etc.).
II. Ask the children's librarian to display Ramadan and Eid
books during the month.
III. Submit a Book Purchase Request at your local library
for children's books like Zaki's Ramadhan Fast, Magid Fasts
for Ramadan, One Night, etc. if your library does not own
them. Requests are usually honored.
HOSPITALS
I. Visiting sick Muslims
II. Discussing Ramadan needs of Muslim patients with
administrators
OTHER
I. Delivery of iftar meals to the homeless and canned food
drives for the needy
Messages or "TALKING POINTS" to be Used When Communicating
with People of Other Faiths
* Muslims are a growing segment of American society.
* Muslims are productive members of the society who
contribute much to the general welfare.
* Islam is a belief system that has much to offer in terms
of providing solutions to problems such as crime, drug abuse
and family disintegration.
* Muslims are reaching out to people of other faiths to help
them better understand the Islamic community in America.
-----
STEPS TO TAKE
1) Form a local committee to handle publicity for Ramadan
activities. Make sure the committee has representatives from
all local communities. Do not waste time and energy setting
up a formal structure. Just choose a coordinator and include
people who are willing to do the work.
2) This committee should have a name such as Seattle Ramadan
Information Committee, etc.
3) Decide which activities your community will undertake.
The main suggestions are:
* Ramadan "Taste of Islam" open house at the Islamic Center
* Eid Bazaar
* Public lectures on Ramadan and Islamic solutions for
societal problems
* School presentations by parents and students
* Iftars for the homeless
* Canned food drive
* Eid treats for non-Muslim classmates
4) To publicize these events, modify the attached materials
for your own organization's use. Use these materials when
contacting the people listed in the "objectives" section. To
find the phone and fax numbers for these people, just call
the media outlet in question and ask. You may also call CAIR
at 202-659-2247, to ask for a customized local media list
with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the media in
your area. Use your "talking points" whenever communicating
with the media.
5) TIMING - Don't wait until Ramadan to start calling faxing
and mailing materials to the media. Calendar editors need at
least two weeks lead time to publish an item. Feature
editors and others need at least that long to develop and
schedule stories. Public service announcements also need
time to be approved and scheduled. Make initial contact as
soon as you can and then follow up with phone calls to the
same people a couple of days before each activity. When you
make calls close to the day of any event, focus on the
television news assignment editors and newspaper city and
photo editors.
6) IMPORTANT - Make sure you send a copy of all your
announcements and news releases to the ASSOCIATED PRESS
"DAYBOOK" EDITOR at the Associated Press office in your area
or in the nearest large city.
7) Clip copies of any news articles and tape any broadcast
reports. Send copies of these to CAIR.
-----
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
1050 17th Street, N.W., Suite 490
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: 202-659-CAIR (2247)
Fax: 202-659-2254 Page: 202-773-9709
Email: cair1@ix.netcom.com
URL: http://www.cair-net.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MUSLIM FAST OF RAMADAN TO BEGIN AT END OF DECEMBER
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/9/97) - On December 31, 1997,* the
Muslim community in America and around the world will begin
the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don). 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. Because Ramadan is a
lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year.
WHO MUST FAST?
* Fasting is compulsory for those who are mentally and
physically fit, past the age of puberty, in a settled
situation (not traveling), and are sure fasting is unlikely
to cause real physical or mental injury.
EXEMPTIONS FROM FASTING (some exemptions are optional)
* Children under the age of puberty (Young children are
encouraged to fast as much as they are able.)
* People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible
for their actions
* Those who are too old to fast
* The sick
* Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty
miles
* Pregnant women and nursing mothers
* Women who are menstruating
* Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the
missed days at another time.
SPECIAL EVENTS
* Special prayers, called taraweeh, are performed after the
daily nighttime prayer.
* Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny")
marks the anniversary of the night on which the Prophet
Muhammad first began receiving revelations from God, through
the angel Gabriel. Muslims believe Lailat ul-Qadr is one of
the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadan.
TRADITIONAL PRACTICES
* Breaking the daily fast with a drink of water and dates
* Reading the entire Quran during Ramadan (For this purpose,
the Quran is divided into 30 units.)
* Social visits are encouraged.
EID UL-FITR ("Festival of Fast-Breaking") Prayers at the End
of Ramadan
* Eid begins with special morning prayers on the first day
of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan on the Islamic lunar
calendar, and lasts for three days.
* It is forbidden to perform an optional fast during Eid
because it is a time for relaxation.
* During Eid Muslims greet each other with the phrase "Eid
Mubarak" (eed-moo-bar-ak), meaning "blessed Eid" and
"taqabballah ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds."
Demographers say Islam is one of the fastest growing
religions in this country and around the world. There are an
estimated 6 million Muslims in America and some 1.2 billion
worldwide.
-END-
* Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on
the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates
for Ramadan may vary.
-----
RAMADAN Q&A
Q: How did the fast during Ramadan become obligatory for
Muslims?
A: The revelations from God to the Prophet Muhammad that
would eventually be compiled as the Quran began during
Ramadan in the year 610, but the fast of Ramadan did not
become a religious obligation for Muslims until the
year 624. The obligation to fast is explained in the second
chapter of the Quran:
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was
prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn)
self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent
down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs)
for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So
every one of you who is present (at his home) during that
month should spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183
and 185)
Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from fasting?
A: The main benefits of Ramadan are an increased compassion
for those in need of the necessities of life, a sense of
self-purification and reflection and a renewed focus on
spirituality. Muslims also appreciate the feeling of
togetherness shared by family and friends throughout the
month. Perhaps the greatest practical benefit is the yearly
lesson in self-restraint and discipline that can carry
forward to other aspects of a Muslim's life such as work and
education.
Q: Do people normally lose weight during Ramadan?
A: Some people do lose weight, but others may not. It is
recommended that meals eaten during Ramadan be light, but
most people can't resist sampling special sweets and foods
associated with Ramadan.
Q: Why does Ramadan begin on a different day each year?
A: Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven
days earlier each year. Throughout a Muslim's lifetime,
Ramadan will fall both during winter months, when the days
are short, and summer months, when the days are long and the
fast is more difficult. In this way, the difficulty of the
fast is evenly distributed between Muslims living in the
northern and southern hemispheres.
Q: What is Lailat ul-Qadr?
A: Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power") marks the anniversary
of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad first began
receiving revelations from God, through the angel Gabriel.
An entire chapter in the Quran deals with this night: "We
have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
and what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein
come down the angels and the Spirit by God's permission, on
every errand. Peace!...This until the rise of morn."
(Chapter 97) Muslims believe Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the
last odd-numbered nights of Ramadan.
Q: Isn't it difficult to perform the fast in America?
A: In many ways, fasting in American society is easier than
fasting in areas where the climate is extremely hot. This
year at least, the number of daylight hours will be less
than when Ramadan occurs during the spring or summer. In
Muslim countries, most people are observing the fast, so
there are fewer temptations such as luncheon meetings,
daytime celebrations and offers of food from friends. Many
American Muslims would prefer a daytime work shift during
Ramadan so that they may break the fast with their families
and attend evening prayers.
Q: How can non-Muslim co-workers and friends help someone
who is fasting?
A: Employers, co-workers and teachers can help by
understanding the significance of Ramadan and by showing a
willingness to make minor allowances for its physical
demands. Special consideration can be given to such things
as requests for vacation time, the need for flexible early
morning or evening work schedules and lighter homework
assignments. It is also very important that Muslim workers
and students be given time to attend Eid prayers at the end
of Ramadan. Eid is as important to Muslims as Christmas and
Yom Kippur are to Christians and Jews. A small token such as
a card (there are Eid cards available from Muslim
bookstores) or baked goods given to a Muslim co-worker
during Eid ul-Fitr would also be greatly appreciated.
Hospital workers should be aware that injections and oral
medications may break the fast. Patients should be given the
opportunity to decide whether or not their condition exempts
them from fasting.
-----
ISLAM IN AMERICA --- THE FACTS
FACT 1
There are an estimated 6 million Muslims in America. The
Muslim community in America is made up of people from a wide
variety of ethnic backgrounds and national origins.
FACT 2
The worldwide population of Muslims is 1.2 billion.
FACT 3
Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this
country and around the world.
FACT 4
Demographers say that by the turn of the century, Islam will
be the number two religion in America. (This may have
already occurred.)
FACT 5
Demographers also say that by the year 2025, one in four
people on earth will be a Muslim.
FACT 6
There are close to 2,000 mosques, Islamic schools and
Islamic centers in America. Muslims are active in all walks
of life.
TERMS AND CONCEPTS
ALLAH - Allah is the Arabic word for "God." It is the same
word Arabic-speaking Christians use when referring to God.
Allah is not the "Muslim God," but is the same God
worshipped by Christians and Jews.
FUNDAMENTALIST - Muslims view the label "fundamentalist" as
stereotypical and ill defined. Muslims also object to the
use of terms such as "radical" and "extremist." These terms
lack definition and are seen as pejorative. More neutral and
objective terms include "Islamist" or "Islamic activist." If
the person in question is involved in a criminal act, name
that act, not the faith of the person who commits the crime.
JIHAD - "Jihad" does not mean "holy war." Literally, jihad
means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central
and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against
evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the
quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for
self-defense (e.g., - having a standing army for national
defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression. The
equivalent of the term "holy war" in Arabic is "harb
muqaddasah," a term that cannot be found in the Quran or the
Prophet's sayings (hadith). There is no such thing as "holy
war" in Islam, as some careless translators may imply. It is
rather a loaded medieval concept that did not arise from
within the Muslim community. Because of this myth's frequent
repetition, most people in the West accept it as if it were
a fact.
BLACK MUSLIMS - This term, first used to describe the
followers of the late Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the
Nation of Islam, is no longer accurate when used to describe
African-American Muslims.
MUSLIM/ARAB - Not all Muslims are Arab, just as not all
Arabs are Muslim. In fact, Arabs are a minority within the
Islamic world. According to modern usage, "Arab" is a
linguistic, not an ethnic, designation. An Arab can
be Christian or Jewish.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS - Under Islamic law, women have always had
the right to own property, receive an education and
otherwise take part in community life. The Islamic rules for
modest dress apply to women and men equally. (Men cannot
expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or silk,
etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does so in
spite of Islam, not because of it.
ARABIC NAMES - Compound Arabic last names, such as "Abd
Al-Wahid," which often refer to attributes of God, should be
used in full on second reference. If the second reference
referred to "Al-Wahid," that person would be taking on an
attribute of God ("the One"), something a Muslim would
abhor.
-----
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
1050 17th Street, N.W., Suite 490
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: 202-659-CAIR (2247)
Fax: 202-659-2254
E-mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com
URL: http://www.cair-net.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12/9/97
----- MEDIA ADVISORY -----
AMERICAN MUSLIMS CELEBRATE END OF RAMADAN FAST WITH COMMUNAL
PRAYERS
What: On January 29, 1998* (date may vary, see below), the
Muslim community in America will celebrate the end of the
month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers in
locations around the country. 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 prayers mark the beginning of the three-day Eid ul-Fitr
(eed-al-fitter), or "feast of fast breaking" holiday, in
which Muslims exchange social visits and seek to strengthen
bonds of brotherhood in the community. During this holiday,
Muslims greet each other by saying "Eid mubarak"
(eed-moo-bar-ak), meaning "blessed Eid," and "taqabbala
allahu ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds." Many
communities hold bazaars following the prayers.
(Note - Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim
holidays. The second holiday comes at the end of the Hajj,
or pilgrimage to Mecca. Demographers say Islam is one of the
fastest growing religions in this country and around the
world. There are an estimated 6 million Muslims in America
and some 1.2 billion worldwide.)
When: January 29, 1998 (*Because Ramadan is a lunar month,
the actual date is governed by sighting of the new moon. The
exact date for Eid may vary.) Prayers are held early in the
morning. Ask local coordinators for exact dates and times.
Where: The Eid prayers are held either in local mosques or
in public facilities designed to accommodate large
gatherings. Call local community representatives for
details.
Contact: Call local Muslim organizations for details about
Eid celebrations. If there are no known contacts in local
communities, call CAIR at 202-659-2247 to obtain phone
numbers.
Photo Opportunity: Each year, Muslims from America and many
different countries come to the prayers in colorful dress.
The prayers themselves are quite visual, with worshipers
arranged in neat rows and bowing in prayer in unison.
Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of the
prayers.
Note: Because this is a religious service, reporters and
photographers of both sexes should dress modestly. That
means no shorts for men or short skirts for women. Some
communities may ask female reporters and photographers to
put a scarf over their hair while in the actual prayer area.
Photographers should arrive early to get into position for
the best shots. Photographers are also advised not to step
directly in front of worshipers and to seek permission for
close-up shots. Shots of shoes removed for prayer, and
rear-angle shots of prostrating worshipers are considered
inappropriate.
- END -
-----
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
(Insert Your Local Organization Name and Address Here)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
----- MEDIA ADVISORY -----
LOCAL MUSLIMS CELEBRATE END OF MONTH-LONG FAST WITH PRAYERS
AND MULTICULTURAL BAZAAR
What: On January 29 (date may vary), the Muslim community in
________________ will celebrate the end of the month-long
fast of Ramadan with communal prayers and a multicultural
bazaar. 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 prayers mark the beginning of the three-day Eid ul-Fitr
(eed-al-fitter) holiday, in which Muslims exchange social
visits and seek to strengthen bonds of brotherhood in the
community. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by
saying "Eid mubarak" (eed-moo-bar-ak), or "blessed Eid."
The multicultural bazaar will feature games for children,
Islamic books and clothing, and foods from around the Muslim
world. The bazaar is free and open to the public. People of
all faiths are encouraged to attend and sample the diversity
f Islamic culture. (Note - Islam is the fastest growing
religion in this country and around the world. There are
_____________ Muslims in _____________ and some 1.2 billion
worldwide.)
When: January 29, 1998
Community gathers at ____ a.m.
Prayers begin at ____ a.m.
Bazaar opens at ____ a.m./until ____ p.m.
Where: Prayers - Address:
Bazaar - Address:
Contact: For more information, call _________________ at
______________ (not for publication), or call
_____________________ at ______________ (for publication).
Photo Opportunity: Each year, Muslims from America and many
different countries come to the prayers in the colorful
dress. The prayers themselves are quite visual, with
worshipers arranged in neat rows and bowing in prayer in
unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion of
the prayers.
Note: Because this is a religious service, reporters and
photographers of both sexes should dress modestly. That
means no shorts for men or short skirts for women. Female
reporters and photographers may be asked to put a scarf over
their hair while in the actual prayer area. Photographers
should arrive by ____ a.m. to get into position for the best
shots. Photographers are advised not to step directly in
front of worshipers and to ask permission for close-up
shots.
- END -
-----
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
(Insert Your Local Organization Name and Address Here)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
--- PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ---
LOCAL MUSLIM COMMUNITY HOLDS MOSQUE OPEN HOUSE
"A Taste of Islam" organizers seek to increase understanding
between faiths
What: On Saturday, January ___, the Muslim community in
______________ will hold an open house offering people of
other faiths an introduction to Islamic culture. The free
event, called "A TASTE OF ISLAM," will feature displays of
Islamic handicrafts, clothing and books as well as samples
of foods from around the Muslim world. The open house is
designed to help people of all faiths gain a better
understanding of the positive role Islam can play in
American society.
Demographers now say Islam is the fastest growing religion
in this country and around the world. There are ________
Muslims in ________ and some 1.2 billion worldwide.)
When: Saturday, January ___
6-9 p.m.