27 September 2007
How Do Americans Observe Ramadan?
USINFO Webchat transcript, September 26
U.S. State Department officials Seema Matin -- an American Muslim who chooses to wear the hijab -- who works as a public diplomacy officer, and William Lawrence, the deputy advisor for Islamic World Science Partnerships, answered questions in a USINFO Webchat on how Americans observe Ramadan in the United States.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript
How Do Americans Observe Ramadan?
Guest: Seema Matin & William Lawrence
Date: September 26, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT)
Moderator: Dear participants, we look forward to your questions. We are pleased to announce that Seema Matin will be joined by William Lawrence for this webchat. Please see his biography for more information.
Welcome everyone to today's webchat! Becuase of the high volume of questions, we are beginning the chat earlier than scheduled. Seema Matin will join us now. Bill Lawrence will join us at 14:00 GMT.
Seema Matin: Hello - I am Seema Matin and I am really excited to come here again and chat about Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!
Question [Mahmoud]: Hello, and SALAM ALIKOUM. My name is Mahmoud Belhimer, I’m a journalist working for Elkhabar daily newspaper in Algeria. I have been in the U.S. twice, but never in the Holly month RAMADAN. I want to know really how do you feel yourself as a Muslim during this month, when people around you have not the same behaviour? Is it easy to be Muslim in the United States of America, especially after 9/11 events? Many thanks in advance, hope you good RAMADAN. Mahmoud Belhimer
Answer [Seema Matin]: Thank you for your question Mahmoud and Ramadan Mubarak! Since I was born and raised in the United States, I have mostly experienced Ramadan in the United States -- with one exception when I was overseas for my posting in Saudi Arabia. Ramadan in America is incredibly special for me because you are more focused with the fast, prayers, and the reflection of this holy month since you don’t have the luxury of having your work and school schedules automatically altered. Your regular life continues and yet you do not let that stop you from fulfilling an important requirement in Islam. Many of us work our normal hours and then go home to our families to break fast or have large iftars on the weekends at the local mosques or in our homes. We have the special prayers during Ramadan -– tarawih prayers -– on a nightly basis in many mosques in the United States. This is also the month of charity and many Muslim Americans find ways to volunteer their time or donate money to charitable causes.
As for how I feel when no one around me is fasting –- I have always found that my non-Muslim colleagues and friends are very supportive during this month of Ramadan. In college, I remember my non-Muslim friends wanting to experience the fast with me or at the very least -- they would wait to have dinner at iftar time. At work, many of my colleagues will try not to eat or drink around me and of course I always insist that they should not stop eating or drinking around me but I am always touched at their thoughtfulness. In fact, the other day I asked my supervisor if I could take the last few days of Ramadan off and she said “of course” and then suggested that I could alter my work schedule if I wished. So even if we are not in a Muslim country during the month of Ramadan, we still feel the support and encouragement from our friends and colleagues.
Q [sanogo27]: Can you tell me a bit about Muslims integration in the American society, was it easy or not?
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you for your question. It is easy to integrate into American society no matter what your religion or ethnic background. As you know the history or story of America is exactly that -- immigrants from different lands have come to this country and have been able to integrate within a generation. Of course, this requires the immigrants to reach out of their own cultural comfort zone and get involved and engage with their local community and neighborhood. I think the most important part of integrating into American society -- is to understand that you are an American and do not see yourself separate from mainstream society. For the most part, Americans are some of the most welcoming and friendliest people you will find.
Q [Dinara, Turkmenabat]: can American Muslim students who wear a hijab go to school in it? I heard they are allowed not to schools in hijab in France?
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Dinara. I want to thank you for your question. Yes, American Muslim students who wear the hijab are allowed to go to school. We are very blessed in the United States to not have the same issues as in other countries due to our constitution. I have never had any problems wearing the hijab in the United States. I also make an effort to make sure people are comfortable with me -- I smile and talk to them if I sense anyone is unsure of how to act around me. There are misconceptions about the hijab and I think, in shallah, they will change. I think it’s important for people to know that for many of us in America -- it is a personal choice -- something that was not forced upon by our parents or spouses, etc.
I think it is easier to do the hijab in America because of our diversity and respect for other cultures. Also, our laws protecting religious freedom and protecting us against discrimination are huge reasons why I think wearing the hijab is easier than in other countries.
Q [Kamila, Ashgabat]: As I know the last night of Ramadan is celebrated as a holiday. What are traditions to celebrate it in America? I would like to discuss the differences between my country and U.S.
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Kamila. The last night of Ramadan is not a holiday in the United States but many of us have special traditions to observe the last night. Some people use this time to pray and reflect on the past month and to pray for the opportunity to see the next Ramadan. Others have parties where women gather to sing, dance, eat traditional foods, paint henna on their hands, and discuss what they will be wearing the next day for the Eid. Because there are so many Muslims in America from different parts of the world, the traditions may vary -- but the joy is the same.
The next day is of course Eid-ul-fitr -- families go to attend the congregational prayers at their local mosques and then spend the rest of the day visiting family and friends. In some family traditions, children are given gifts or money and sometimes the adults exchange gifts too but the day is mostly about getting together and sharing the great joy in completing a month of fasting.
Q [Yasser Khalil]: Hello Dear Lady and Dear Sir Happy Ramadan. I will be grateful if both of you gave us his answer about the following questions. Do American Muslims share their breakfast with their friends and neighbors? How they use those holy events in strengthening their relations with others Americans? I am always thinking about how American Muslims find "common grounds" to live on with their non-Muslims citizens, especially Christians and Jewish. I heard about how some of those friends supported Muslims after the crisis of Sept. 11. The answer of those questions will help me -- if sufficient -- in developing some ideas to write about them for solving the problems that exist between Islamic World and USA, and all western world. (I mean cultural problems.) Thank You. - Yasser Khalil, Egyptian Researcher and Journalist
Q [Seema Matin]: Ramadan Mubark, Yasser. Thank you so much for your questions. Yes, American Muslims do share “iftars” with their friends and neighbors. But it isn’t just the Muslim Americans who invite people to iftars, in fact, some of my non-Muslim friends have invited me for iftars in their homes. Just recently, one of my dearest friends invited me to his home for iftar and said that he and his wife (both non-Muslim) would even prepare the meal with halal meat that they were going to purchase specifically for this occasion. I was really moved by their kind gesture.
I think this speaks to your idea of “common grounds” -- the wonderful thing about living in America is living with people from so many different backgrounds and religions. As my non-Muslim neighbors, friends, and colleagues are happy for me during Ramadan and Eid -- I also share in their joy during Christmas and Hanukkah. I always wish them greetings on these occasions and even exchange gifts. I have been fortunate enough to spend quite a few Christmas dinners and Passover Seders with my friends. Experiencing these occasions together makes you focus more on the similarities.
Q [Rukiya]: In an Islamic minority country how do Muslims observe Ramadan, do they face any hardship? Are they in a position to do their routine and sunna prayers? Arrive in time for community or family iftar dinners? Rukiya, Nairobi
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you for your question. In my own personal experience, I have (alhamdillah) never had a supervisor or boss who was not understanding. Whenever I need to make my prayers -- I close my office door -- and quietly make my prayers -- fard and sunnah -- whether it is Ramadan or not. I am always able to make it in time for my iftar at home and just the other day I was staying at work later than usual and my boss insisted that I go home in time for iftar. I have been very blessed in this regard.
Q [Rukiya]: Do you have special programs that involve non-Muslims to make them understand the importance of Ramadan and foster peace? What is their reaction? Rukiya, Nairobi
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Rukiya - thank you for your question. Many mosques have interfaith functions during Ramadan. These are always very pleasant occasions for everyone.
Q [morgan, hala]: I would like to know the main characteristic feature of celebrating Ramadan in the U.S.?
A [Seema Matin]: Hello -- thank you for your question. The main characteristic for me is that it is “focused” because we have to make the most of it in the time we have. We don’t have the month off as you would in Muslim countries so we have to make the most of each moment in our fast, behavior, prayers. We work, go to school and go about our schedules as usual. I think it becomes more meaningful to me -- to observe the fast this way.
Moderator: Welcome chat participants! We have just started a few minutes early. If you would like to introduce yourself to the group, please select the "comment" option.
Q [Serdar]: As a participant of professional development program for English teachers this summer I was in Lincoln, Nebraska. There I visited Islamic Foundation and during praying time got a great impression from meeting blonde and black Muslims of different origin from all over the world.
Q [Kamila, Ashgabat]: Do all Muslims have to fast during Ramadan?
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Kamila, thank you for your question. Yes, fasting is one of the requirements -– one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
Q [Kamil]: In ferist Elsalamoalaykom, then I want to say Ramadan is the best month in the moslim year, we needed to do on it every good things.
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you Kamil. I have to say that Ramadan is also my favorite month of the year too. May the blessings of the month be upon you and your family.
Q [cario irc]: There should be a promotion of Dialogues within the Muslim world and within the non-Muslim worlds; including dialogues involving youth leaders; womens leaders; women leaders; persons of all faiths; do you Agree with me? - Ali eid
Q [Mjasiri]: I am jaffar mjasiri, senior reporter for The African on Sunday newspaper here in Dar es Salaam. I am a Muslim and observe the Holy month of Ramadan.
Moderator: [Ali Eid says]: "HI MY NAME IS Ali Eid have Master Degree in development studies; now I am interested in Security and Development; Egypt".
Q [Jenny2]: I am curious about the experience of Ms. Seema Matin, is she the second generation in America?
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Jenny. Thank you for your question. Yes, I am a second generation American. My parents are originally from Pakistan and my father has lived in the United States for 50 years.
Bill Lawrence: Hello. This is Bill Lawrence. I am online and ready to begin answering questions. I would also like to wish everyone Ramadan Moubarak!
Q [Jaona]: Héfler and how do young Muslims live in such a modern world like the U.S. and keeping in touch with traditions, and religion? Thanks.
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Jaona -- thank you for your question. I believe living in the United States it is very easy to keep in touch with your traditions and religion because of our laws protecting religious freedom. Also, you should know that many Americans of different backgrounds are people of faith and keep in touch with their traditional values as well.
Q [Mjasiri]: Ramadhan mubarak too, Welcome
Q [Jaona – Fatima]: And for those Muslim women who work in a tourist area, it is obvious that they will change their clothing according to what their employers tell them?
A [Seema Matin]: Hello Jaona. No, again we have laws that protect our religious freedom in the United States. I have seen many women in hijab working in various occupations -- including salespeople. I was even surprised to see women in hijab selling cosmetics! If there is ever a case of discrimination -- we are fortunate in the United States to have a way of addressing it -- due to our constitution and the laws that protect our citizens.
Q [Yasser Khalil]: Hello Dear Lady and Dear Sir, Happy Ramadan. I will be grateful if both of you gave us his answer about the following question. Do American Muslims share their breakfast with their friends and neighbors? How do they use those holy events in strengthening their relations with others Americans? I am always thinking about how American Muslims find "common grounds" to live on with their non-Muslims citizens, especially Christians and Jewish. I heard about how some of those friends supported Muslims after the crisis of Sept. 11. The answer of this question will help me -- if sufficient -- in developing some ideas to write about them for solving the problems that exist between Islamic World and USA, and all western world. (I mean cultural problems.) Thank You Yasser Khalil, Egyptian Researcher and Journalist
A [Bill Lawrence]: Many American Muslims share their breakfast with friends and neighbors, and there are many instances of "solidarity fasting" and "educational fasting" by non-Muslims. You are right about the support after 9/11; there were even non-Muslim community groups that protected Muslims and mosques immediately after 9/11 as awareness of the growing Muslim community in the U.S. grew.
Q [cario irc]: Dear Dr. Matin, Do you prefer the American, Egyptian or Oriental foods at your breakfast? ali eid
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you for your question - I prefer all three!
Moderator: For those of you just joining us, welcome to this webchat! Please feel free to introduce yourself by selecting the "comment" option.
Q [Abu Morgan]: Ramadhan Kareem to you both. I am interested in your observations on how the "average American's" knowledge and appreciation of Islam has changed in your lifetimes. Can you compare what it was like when you were in primary school to the current level of understanding among Americans?
A [Bill Lawrence]: I converted to Islam in 1994, so I am one of those "average Americans." When I was young, few people knew what Ramadan was. Now nearly every American has heard of Ramadan even if they don't know too much about it -- they know it is a fast. All Americans now know we have millions of Muslims in the U.S. -- before that was known by very few people even though there were small Muslim communities in the U.S. since the 17th century. Information about Islam has increased greatly, although we have to help sort the good information from the not-as-good information by educating people.
Moderator: Many of you are asking about where you can get more information. For those of you who would like more information about Muslim life in America, please check out the following links:
Muslim Life in America online publication.
Celebrating Ramadan in America website at USINFO.
Q [IRC Cairo - marwa magdy and dalia ahmed - the facukty of alsun (languages) cairo]: What is your main aim to choose to wear the hijab?
Did you face any pressure after wearing the hijab?
Do the Americans respect your religious habits in Ramadan?
How your life changed after and before being veiled?
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you for your questions. I was the first one in my family to do the hijab. I decided to observe the hijab after I completed my first hajj (religious pilgrimage) in 1995. Thankfully, I live in a country where I could take this step that is so important to me as a Muslim. I did not face any pressure after wearing the hijab alhamdillah because freedom of religion which is guaranteed by our Constitution makes it easy regarding supporting personal choice in religion. In other parts of the world, for example, I would not have the freedom to choose whether I wanted to wear the hijab. Depending on what country, I would either be forced to wear it or forced not to wear it. Thankfully, I live in a country where I can go to university while wearing the hijab, I can work in an office environment and more importantly, I can work for my government and represent my country while wearing the hijab.
As I have mentioned elsewhere in the chat, my non-Muslim colleagues are very supportive of my religious habits during Ramadan and the rest of the year!
Q [Jaona]: Fatima And how big is the percentage of Muslims who could do the soilat taraweh from the beginning till the end of Ramadan month, are they free to practice their religion as it should be? Like wearing veil? Thanks a lot for answering my questions.
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you for your question. As I mentioned previously in the chat -- many Muslims go to tarawih prayers during Ramadan because many mosques in the United States have nightly congregational prayers. It is a great joy for many to be able to finish the Quran with the tarawih prayers.
Q [adolatkal]: Dear guest speakers! I was already inspired not only by Mrs. Seema promotion on the diplomatic ladder but more by her very Sunni background being from Saudi Arabia, the Holy Land for all Muslims in the world … and suddenly joining Mr. W. Lawrence,(we all have read books, watched movies about Lawrence Arabic), being him once a Peace Corps volunteer and making a rapid career. These two young diplomats are the best evidence that professionals with good knowledge are never lost in the USA. Where your work/occupation is there is your home is today's buzzle proverb often cited in Latin.
How American Muslims overcome the very basic routines of fasting: praying in the public places like schools, colleges, universities, how they organise iftars, if they have something very urgent to do?
How do they greet other fasting Muslims, involved in the same business, being their guests at that time? I guess, in Arabic?
What Holy books they are reading at home for their children, who do not understand English?
I think that not scarfes are united Muslims, but the very spirit of belonging to the world community who shares the same values.
A [Bill Lawrence]: American Muslims have had more and more "space" to practice Islam over recent years. I was at in iftar last night at the Capitol building and learned that jumaa prayers are now even held under the dome of the Capitol at the center location of our country's leading democratic institution. Schools and universities have prayer facilities available when there are enough Muslims requesting a space. You can always make time for an iftar, like you make time for any meal. While most fasting Muslims at one place of work know each other, that is not always the case -- I have seen several cases of Muslims both fasting in the same work space and not knowing, particularly when it involves American converts, but that is fairly rare.
One reason, however, is that Americans do not generally discuss religion at the workplace, in part given that there are so many religions and the principle of not interfering in others' religious practice. American Muslims have varying levels of Arabic, so Arabic is not always the marker of conversations about Islam except for the basic greetings. Anyway, all of these types of issues can be worked out with a little imagination.
Q [Jaona - Fatima And]: Why the U.S. Government no longer organizes iftar in the White House like in past Ramadan? Or the White House is no longer accessible to host such event?
A [Bill Lawrence]: The White House will be hosting an iftar as will the State Department. I myself submitted dozens of names for the guest lists.
Moderator: Dear participants, we do see your questions coming in. We kindly ask for your patience as our guests review and answer them.
Q [cario irc]: Dr. Lawrence, What steps could build trust between the Muslim world and the West? and the role of Americans NGOs? Ali EID
A [Bill Lawrence]: There are hundreds and hundreds of things that can be done to build trust, and I could not even begin to list them all here. But I would like to point out that the Muslim world includes elements of the West and the Western world includes large amounts of Muslims, so that blending is part of the process. Trust starts with trustworthiness. It also includes respect, and listening, and tolerance for different points of view. Ramadan is an excellent time of year to spend more time listening and reflecting. Trust building like confidence building takes time and effort. American NGOs can play an important role in building trust, by delivering on their promises and by acting in a transparent manner, leading by example and also by adapting to their environment.
Q [ARC Nairobi]: Hi, I'm Karen Hartman, a non-Muslim American. I've been reading a lot lately about how well Muslims have fit in to American society compared to some European ones. I would like to have your opinion on why this is so. Do you think it's because Americans are fundamentally a religious people, or is it something else?
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Karen -- thanks so much for your question. I think there are many reasons for this -- our diversity, our laws, but most of all -- I think its quite something that in America -- you are considered an equal member of society or citizen. As long as you were born in the country or become a naturalized citizen -- you are able to call yourself an American and really feel that you are a part of the country rather than a separate "other". In some other countries -- it doesn't matter how many generations your family has been there -- you are not really considered part of the culture or country. Of course, it also is important that new immigrants try to assimilate and integrate into mainstream society. I think America is unique in this regard -- that you can integrate into mainstream society without completely giving up your traditions and values.
Q [Mjasiri]: Hi I am Jaffar Mjasiri from Dar es Salaam Tanzania. How has Ramadan helped the American people in terms of understanding Islam as religion of peace?
A [Bill Lawrence]: Ramadan is incredibly important to changing views towards Islam and Muslims. According to some polling data that I saw yesterday, Americans hold Muslims in higher regard than they hold Islam, so Ramadan is an opportunity to help bridge that gap and to show everyone -- again and referring to a question above about leading by example -- what the core principles of Islam are and how they are expressed in Ramadan. I personally am particularly impressed with Muslims who remember not to argue in Ramadan -- many Muslims seem to forget that around the world during Ramadan particularly near the time of iftar when their blood sugar runs low.
Moderator: View "Ramadan Video Greetings From America" and leave your comments at the following website.
See what is happening in America during Ramadan!
[Bill Lawrence]: I would like to add to the question that Karen Hartman asked earlier. There are many, many factors to the greater integration of American Muslims, including post 9/11. One is simply how immigration operates. When large, large numbers of any particular group move in a short period of time to one country, that can be disruptive. American Muslims have not "arrived" in those kinds of waves, where as many Muslims in Europe have. Also American Muslims tend, according to the Pew Center and other studies, to be professionals, to be higher educated, to earn significantly more money, and even to vote at much higher rates than average Americans. In Europe, the profile of Muslims is a bit different, and many were brought in as workers to help with Europe’s post-war expansion and did not often have the same access to professional careers. The high religiosity of Americans also helps, as you say, to create tolerance for other people’s of faith, but a bit ironically, often the most religious and the most secular are the most tolerant, for different reasons (i.e. one is about understanding another religion and the other is about understanding another people or ethnicity) and those in the middle between very religious or very secular are sometimes less inclined to be interested.
Q [artur-tabat]: That’s a nice discussion, who knows little about American Muslims.
Q [Zulhiya]: Muslims all over the world observe Ramadan. In our country, in Turkmenistan, our government pays much attention to this religious. Many Muslims mosques were built after getting independence in 1991. Regularly Turkmen people mark all Muslim celebrations, such as Kurban bairam, novruz and others. Many of my colleagues and students keep Uraza, and follow all Muslim's traditions. It make people spiritually clean and physically strong.
Being in the USA last summer I saw a lot of Muslim nationalities there. Can you answer, how many Muslims live in the USA and how many of them follow Muslim's traditions?
A [Bill Lawrence]: The best recent data in my estimation says that there are 4.7 million, although estimates range from 1.1 million to 10 million with varying methodologies. One reason is that the U.S. census does not ask about religion. The short form does not even separate out Arab Americans, although the long census form does. The Pew Center says it is 2.4 million, but I think it is significantly more. However, the Pew methodology is very good. Most studies show that about one-third of American Muslims are of South Asian origin, one-third are African American, and about a quarter are of Arab origin. The rest is a mixture of nationalities from all 52 Muslim majority countries and non-Muslim majority countries as well. About one-third of American Muslims are involved in mosque-based activities.
There are about 1,200 mosque-institutions in the U.S. but many thousands more prayer rooms, etc. Like the Muslim world, there is a range of religiosity. For example, there are Muslims, proud of their heritage, who fast, but do not pray at the mosque or go to taraweeh prayers.
Q [Rafiq]: This is Waheed from IRC Muzaffarabad AJK (Pakistan). Seema, could you please let me know that how the American Muslims celebrate Eid? Are they wear their traditional dress on Eid or not?
A [Seema Matin]: Hello Waheed, and thank you for your question. In many Pakistani families, Eid begins with everyone having sheer korma for breakfast and then going to the mosque for congregational prayers. After, we go to different homes to visit our families and friends and end the day with a big family dinner. Yes, many people (especially women) wear traditional Pakistani clothes for Eid.
Moderator: Participants in today's webchat are invited to join us on October 5, 2007 at 09:00 EDT / 13:00 GMT for our second webchat on "How do Americans Observe Ramadan?"
We are honored to host Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, president of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland. Learn more about this webchat here.
Q [Mahmoud]: Hello, and SALAM ALIKOUM. My name is Mahmoud Belhimer, I’m a journalist working for Elkhabar daily newspaper in Algeria. I have been in the U.S. twice, but never in the Holy month RAMADAN. I want to know really how do you feel yourself as a Muslim during this month, when people around you have not the same behaviour? Is it easy to be Muslim in the United States of America, especially after 9/11 events? Many thanks in advance, hop you good RAMADAN. - Mahmoud Belhimer
A [Bill Lawrence]: The main focus of Ramadan for me, both when I have lived in Muslim majority countries and Muslim minority countries, is the fast itself and the iftar. The community around you is somewhat peripheral to that much of the time.
However, there are some remarkable things I have noticed lately, like the increasing numbers of Muslims in Washington out for evening walks this year and the large numbers shopping at certain times in the markets. This is the year I have noticed the most Muslims in large numbers of any year I have lived in the U.S. While some Muslims suffered individual problems after 9/11 -- and this was generally properly reported by the press and Muslim anti-defamation groups and the authorities were notified in many fora -- the impression outside of the U.S. was that things got significantly worse for Muslims en masse. That is not my impression, in part because Muslims are so well integrated (by European standards -- see my answer to Karen Hartman) and even if I am wrong, things are getting better each year as awareness grows and the Muslims community grows and the Muslim community becomes more vocal.
Q [Poorna]: What is so special in harping on how Americans observe Ramadan this year, given the fact that it has been a practice for so many years?
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Poorna, and thanks for your question. I think many people (as you can see from the kinds of questions in this webchat) do not know or are not aware of how Ramadan is observed in America. Many think it would be rather difficult in a non-Muslim country and of course I don't believe it is at all.
Moderator: Demographic information about the Muslim community in America can be found here:
Q [Serdar]: What is the original idea of fasting?
A [Bill Lawrence]: Fasting predates the revelation of the Koran in the time of the Prophet Muhamed (PBUH). It has ancient origins and many rationales over time. Islam is pretty clear about fasting within Islam -- it is about sacrifice and reflection and learning and all of the things that we have learned about Ramadan by experiencing it.
Q: When you feel the Muslims in U.S. will be like Jews and Christians as part of the country and not strange group?
A [Bill Lawrence]: There are many ways you can answer this, but one aspect important in the U.S. is question of how much Muslims should organize politically (and others who feel that Muslims should stay out of the political process).
Q [Mjasiri]: Do Muslims in America promote the culture of sharing Iftar and reaching out to those low income families to ensure there is social welfare amongst them?
A [Seema Matin]: Hi Mjasiri - thanks for your question. Yes, Muslims in America do promote the culture of sharing Iftar. We have huge iftars in the masjids on the weekends and everyone in the community is invited. It’s one of my favorite times in Ramadan.
Q [sanogo27]: Salam, how is the atmosphere of Ramadan in the USA knowing the different tensions between Americans and Muslims
A [Bill Lawrence]: I don't see a lot of connections between the tensions in some communities and the atmosphere of Ramadan specifically, and would argue that whatever the complete answer, that Ramadan alleviates any tensions because it is the time non-Muslims pay the most attention to Muslims in a good way.
Q [cario irc]: THANKS AND HAPPY RAMADAN.ALI EID
A [Seema Matin]: Thank you so much Ali Eid -- and Ramadan Mubarak to you!
Q [Ruslan]: Hi everyone, why American people, and many European people, afraid and don’t like to contact with faces Arabian nationalities?
A [Bill Lawrence]: In America, I don't hear from Arabs that Americans do not want contact with them. In fact, see my other answers in the webchat about the greater integration of American Muslims that in Europe. I think the problems insofar as they exist are not about people who look like Arabs per se, although there are sometimes incidents, but rather vestiges of white-black racism in which a darker immigrant might not be treated as well as a lighter skinned immigrant. But this is increasingly rare and does not generally apply to Arabs. Things have changed a lot since the civil rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. For example, almost no family now resists inter-racial marriage -- even some Muslim countries resist it (culturally/family-wise) more than the U.S.
Moderator: We're almost at the end of our scheduled time for today's discussion. Our speakers are working on their last answers. We hope you will understand that there were many questions coming in. Our guests tried to answer as many as they could during the chat.
Participants in today's webchat are invited to join us on October 5, 2007 at 09:00 EDT/13:00 GMT for our second webchat on "How do Americans Observe Ramadan?"
We are honored to host Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, president of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland. Learn more about this webchat here.
Q [Rukiya]: What is life like for high school and university students? Do they have facilities to cater for their needs during this important month, e.g. prayer halls?
A [Seema Matin & Bill Lawrence]: Hi Rukiya -- thanks for your question -- this is Seema. Life for high school students and university students is much like it is for everyone else during Ramadan. There are facilities and accommodations made for people who observe the fast.
Q [Jaona]: Fatima asks: For those who work till evening, how do they arrange their time table as well as their salary during Ramadan?
A [Bill Lawrence]: This has to be worked out with your boss on a case by case basis, but few employers will stop you from taking a 15 or 30 minute break at any time in an evening shift. Federal employees get even more flexibility and can generally not be denied vacation time on the Muslim holidays. Salary is not affected.
A [Seema Matin]: I wanted to thank you so much for a fantastic webchat! Ramadan Mubarak to everyone.
Q [cario irc]: Dear Dr. Seema Matin [Salmolalikom] If Islam is a way of life; how can a Muslim practice the religion outside of a Muslim Society? ALI Eid MA INDEVLOPMENT STUDIES
A [Bill Lawrence]: Because a way of life does not mean that it has to be a uniform way of life for everyone in precisely the same way. All communities are diverse, even in 99% Muslim countries.
I am signing off now and encourage all of you to continue this dialogue and to raise questions. Sellem Walaykum, Ramadan Moubarak Kareem, and ila liqa'.
Moderator: We wish to thank Seema Matin and Bill Lawrence for joining us today. The webchat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO Webchat Station homepage for more information on upcoming events and a transcript of today’s discussion (posted within one business day).
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
