J 214: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Eid al-Fitr Day in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 214 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Eid al-Fitr Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, Eid al-Fitr Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Eid al-Fitr also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan; and WHEREAS, This religious Eid is the only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast; the date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities, so the day of celebration varies by locality; furthermore, the holiday is widely called Korite in West Africa; and WHEREAS, Eid al-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) that consists of two rakats (units) generally performed in an open field or large hall; it may only be performed in congregation and features six additional Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying "God is the greatest") in the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam: three at the start of the first rakat and three just before ruku in the second rakat; and WHEREAS, Other Sunni schools have twelve Takbirs, similarly split in groups of seven and five; in Shia Islam, the salat has six Takbirs in the first rakat at the end of qira'a, before ruku, and five in the second; depending on the juristic opinion of the locality, this salat is either fard (obligatory), mustahabb (strongly recommended) or mandub (preferable); and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various cultures of people who add to the overall diversity of our State and, on this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the contributions made by Muslims and extend best wishes to all of its members as they hold appropriate ceremonies to commemorate this milestone; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2025, as Eid al-Fitr Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.