APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. _______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM SHENG THAO
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE OF EID HOLIDAYS TO OUR MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND TO THE WHOLE CITY OF OAKLAND WHEREAS, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion that constitutes an estimated 1.8 billion people or more than 24% of the world population; at-present, there are 3.45 million Muslims living in the US; and WHEREAS, according to the Pew Research Center’s studies, Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world; and WHEREAS, Eid holidays, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al Adha, are two of the widely practiced traditions in the Islamic faith; and WHEREAS, Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (the Muslim holy month of fasting) and Eid Al-Adha celebrates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage; both holidays shift dates every year; and WHEREAS, Eid al-Adha is also an Islamic holiday that remembers Abraham’s symbolic sacrifice of his son to God, as referenced in the Quran, Old Testament and New Testament; and WHEREAS, both traditions are being celebrated by praying, gift-giving, visiting family and friends, going to mosques, hosting large community gatherings, and so much more; and Whereas; American Muslims have contributed to every part of society to make advancements in medicine, science, engineering, economics, sports, education, and the law; and Whereas; in the Bay Area, there is a strong presence of 250,000 Muslim community; and Whereas; since the 1980s, growth and migration has led to an increase of mosques and islamic centers, where there are about 12 mosques in Oakland today; and Whereas; Oakland has the biggest concentration of African American Muslims in Northern California; and Whereas; the recognition of Eid, especially in this cultural moment, would make a huge difference in uplifting each other’s communities and traditions; now therefore be it RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland stands in solidarity with the member of the Islamic faith; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland celebrates and recognizes the two Islamic Eid holidays the same way for Christmas, Lunar New Year, and other culturally significant holidays; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED: That the the City of Oakland continues to progress and strive to be a place where all diverse cultures, languages, and religions are welcomed because representation matters.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, KALB, KAPLAN, REID, TAYLOR, THAO AND PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
Acting City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Oakland, California 2