Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 318: Ramadan; recognize the Islamic holy month
Last action March 3, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution recognizes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and offers best wishes to Muslims in Georgia and worldwide for Eid al-Fitr.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia Senate formally recognizes Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal observed by Muslims worldwide. It notes that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and describes how Muslims observe it through fasting, prayer, reading the Quran, and helping others. The resolution cites population figures, including an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, 3.5 million American Muslims, and more than 100,000 Muslims in Georgia, and states that Georgian Muslims have contributed to fields such as medicine, science, engineering, education, the military, and law. The Senate resolves to recognize Ramadan and extend well wishes for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the fasting month. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and the press. It does not change any Georgia law.
What the bill does
- 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 meaningful observance of Eid al-Fitr.
- States population figures for Muslims in Georgia, the United States, and worldwide as part of the resolution's findings.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
Who it affects
The resolution speaks to and about Muslims living in Georgia, an estimated population of more than 100,000, as well as Muslims nationally and worldwide. It does not impose duties or costs on any government agency, business, or individual.
Why it matters
While the resolution carries no legal force and changes no Georgia statute, it represents official public acknowledgment by the state Senate of a religious observance important to Georgia's Muslim community, and directs that copies be shared publicly.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Ramadan's religious significance, its 2025 dates beginning February 28, and its end marked by the sighting of the new moon and Eid al-Fitr.
- The whereas clauses cite estimated Muslim population figures of 1.8 billion worldwide, 3.5 million in the United States, and over 100,000 in Georgia.
- The resolved clause states the Senate's recognition of Ramadan and its wishes for a joyous Eid al-Fitr observance.
- The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.
From the bill
“the members of this body, in support of Muslims throughout Georgia and the United States, recognize the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and extend best wishes to all in Georgia and across the world for a joyous and meaningful observance of Eid al-Fitr”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-5)
- Nabilah Parkes (D, SD-7)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-36)
- Sally Harrell (D, SD-40)
- Donzella James (D, SD-28)
- Emanuel Jones (D, SD-10)
- Derek Mallow (D, SD-2)
- Nikki Merritt (D, SD-9)
- Ed Harbison (D, SD-15)
- David Lucas (D, SD-26)
- Randal Mangham (D, SD-55)
- Michael 'Doc' Rhett (D, SD-33)
- Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-44)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-17)
- Harold Jones II (D, SD-22)
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
- Freddie Powell Sims (D, SD-12)
- Josh McLaurin (D, SD-14)
Topics
- Ramadan
- religious recognition
- Muslim community
- Georgia Senate resolution
- Eid al-Fitr