TITLE: Designating May as Muslim Heritage Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2024.

SUMMARY: Designating May as Muslim Heritage Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2024.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, An estimated 500,000 people in the state of Texas practice Islam, marking Texas as the state with the fifth largest Muslim population, with the majority residing in the cities of Houston and Dallas; and, WHEREAS, With more than 338 mosques and Islamic centers, Texas has the largest Muslim population in the Southern United States; and, WHEREAS, Countless members of Texas' Muslim American community have devoted their lives to service, extending support and assistance to communities across the state through charitable donations and community organizations; and, WHEREAS, The Muslim community fosters compassion and peace through the tenets of their religion, which include zakat (giving) as an obligatory religious practice; and, WHEREAS, With over seven decades of being a vital part of Texas communities and contributing in a variety of ways around the state, it is imperative that their services for the state of Texas are celebrated; and, WHEREAS, There are many prominent Muslim figures in Texas and countless other Muslim individuals, including medical professionals, first responders, teachers, among many more, who have devoted their lives to serving the residents of the Lone Star state; and, WHEREAS, The Texas Muslim American Heritage Month Celebration will encourage recognition of the contributions made by Muslim-Americans to the state's culture, social services, education, politics, business, technology, and arts; and, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas honor and celebrate its Muslim American Community as it continues to be an integral part of the State and looks forward to highlighting the beauty and diversity of the Muslim American culture; and, be it further RESOLVED, We declare the Month of May as Muslim Heritage Month in the State of Texas. RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate May as Muslim Heritage Month; and, be it further RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.