The St. Louis Park City Council approved a proclamation honoring March 11, 2024, as the beginning of Ramadan 2024. During this ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslim Americans across the country come together to fast from sunrise to sunset, pray and reflect. The end of the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated with food, gifts and family.

In recognition of the importance of Ramadan, the City of St. Louis Park encourages residents to learn more and consider participating in Ramadan community events. Some links are below.

• Celebrating Ramadan | National Geographic
• How Minnesota Classrooms Handle Students Fasting for Ramadan
• Your Guide to Ramadan in Minneapolis | Meet Minneapolis

The proclamation reads:

Whereas, the Muslim community is an integral part of the diversity that makes St. Louis Park a great place to experience life; and

Whereas, Islam has been present in our country for over 400 years, with Muslims having made significant contributions in the areas of science, politics, arts, the protection of civil rights and civic engagement; and

Whereas, Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims across the world and in St. Louis Park as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community, with participation being regarded as one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith; and

Whereas, building awareness and learning about Ramadan helps us support our Muslim neighbors as they fast from sunrise to sunset and helps break negative stereotypes or assumptions about the Islamic faith, furthering the city’s commitment to being a leader in race, equity and inclusion; and

Whereas, St. Louis Park homes have been the location of many iftars, the meal breaking the fast each day after sunset during Ramadan; and

Whereas, the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on March 11, 2024, and continues for one lunar month from sunrise to sunset each day. 

Now, therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby honor March 11, 2024, as the beginning of Ramadan 2024 and encourage all people to consider the importance of this month to Muslims in St. Louis Park and across the world.