U.S. Senate Resolution 43, 1979

The following is a concurrent resolution by the 96th Congress (1979)

honoring the 14th century of Islam.

S. Con. Res. 43

Honoring the Fourteenth Centennial of Islam.



IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 4 (legislative day, June

21), 1979



Mr. Stone submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was

referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

October 15, 1979 Reported by Mr. Church, with an amendment to the

preamble October 16 (legislative day, October 15), 1979 Considered and

agreed to

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Honoring the Fourteenth Centennial of Islam.

Whereas November 21, 1979, marks the fourteen hundredth anniversary of

the founding of Islam, an event which will be commemorated throughout the

world, including in the Holy Cities of Islam; and

Whereas Islam is one of the mankind's great religions in history and

today, followed by approximately eight hundred million people encompassing

every major region of the world; and

Whereas the word "Islam" derives from Abraham's willingness to accept

all God's commands, an example profoundly meaningful to all monotheistic

religions; and

Whereas the "House of Islam" extended gracious hospitality to

philosophy and science in both the East and West when these scholarly

disciplines were threatened by narrowness and prejudice, thus preserving

this precious heritage for subsequent generations; and

Whereas Islam strives for a world-wide community which, in the words of

one Islamic poet-philosopher, "does not recognize the superficial

differences of race, or history, or nationality"; and

Whereas the United States and countries of the Islamic world hold in

common many benefits and values including the concept of world community,

which inspired the founding Fathers of our own country; and

Whereas international understanding and peace are strengthened by free

and open communications among nations representing various historical and

religious traditions:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),

That Islam is hereby recognized for the rich religious, scientific,

cultural, and artistic contribution it has made to mankind since its

founding.

Sec. 2. The Congress takes note of the contribution of Islam and wishes

success to the fourteenth centennial commemoration.

Sec. 3. On the occasion of this anniversary, the Congress pledges its

efforts to achieve better understanding, reductions of tensions, and the

pursuit of improved relations with all nations of the world.

Sec. 4. The Congress requests that the President forward a copy of this

resolution to the Chief of State of each country where Islam has a

significant following and where celebrations will mark this important

international event