SR318: SR318 Ramadan; recognize the Islamic holy month

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal observed by Muslims worldwide, and notes that the 2025 observance was expected to begin around the evening of February 28 and end with the sighting of the new moon and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The resolution describes Ramadan's religious significance, cites estimates of about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide and over 100,000 Muslims in Georgia, and states that Georgian Muslims have contributed to fields such as medicine, science, engineering, education, and the military. The Senate resolves to recognize Ramadan and wish Muslims a joyous Eid al-Fitr, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
• Extends best wishes to Muslims in Georgia and worldwide for a joyous observance of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
• States supportive language toward Muslims throughout Georgia and the United States without creating any new legal rights or obligations.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

The resolution speaks to and about Muslims living in Georgia and worldwide, an estimated population of over 100,000 in Georgia according to the text. It also involves the Secretary of the Senate, who is directed to distribute copies of the resolution.

As a ceremonial resolution, it does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements on anyone. Its practical effect is symbolic: an official public statement from the state Senate acknowledging Ramadan and its significance to Georgia's Muslim community.

• The preamble ('WHEREAS' clauses) describes Ramadan's religious meaning, its 2025 timing beginning around February 28, and its end with Eid al-Fitr.
• Cites population estimates of about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, 3.5 million American Muslims, and over 100,000 Georgian Muslims.
• Notes Georgian Muslims' contributions to medicine, science, engineering, economics, sports, education, the military, and law.
• The resolving clause states the Senate recognizes Ramadan and extends wishes for a joyous Eid al-Fitr.
• A further resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-03Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-28Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)Primary sponsor
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)

• Ramadan
• Islamic heritage
• Georgia Senate resolution
• religious observance
• Eid al-Fitr