Continuing the momentum from our work to make DC safer for Muslim communities, CASS participated in the “Fast With DC Muslims” project, a one-day campaign to fast in solidarity and stand up against anti-Muslim discrimination. The event, organized by the DC Office of Human Rights, brought together over 300 DC residents.

Some facts via the DC Office of Human Rights:

What is Ramadan? Ramadan is an annual observance where Muslims spend a month observing a fast from sunrise to sunset. During this time, Muslims abstain from all food and drink during the daylight hours. However, Ramadan is about much more than not eating and drinking. Ramadan serves as a time to cleanse the soul, increase charitable giving, and practice self-discipline.

Why are we fasting in DC? Fasting is an experience that crosses religious, cultural and political traditions — and is often used as a tool to express support or opposition for various issues. We are fasting in DC on June 29 because the Muslim community is frequently targeted for discrimination, and we want to show our Muslim neighbors that DC is united against such discrimination. Most importantly, this serves as an opportunity for us all to evaluate the ideas and biases that divide us, and refocus our attention on each other and our human commonalities.