This month the IDEAs Council chose to highlight Arab-American Heritage Month and Laylat al-Qadr
Arab America and the Arab American Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month Initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. The initiative was created to celebrate the rich heritage and numerous societal contributions of the estimated 3.7 million Americans who share Arab roots. Arab Americans come from Africa and Southwest Asia more commonly known as the Middle East
In 2021, President Biden recognized the month of April, backed by the Department of State, some members of Congress, and 37 governors issuing proclamations supporting the month. President Biden highlighted the significance of Arab-American Heritage Month in his letter to Arab America saying, “The Arab American community exemplifies so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion and generosity.”
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Laylat al-Qadr or “The Night of Power” is an Islamic festival that commemorates the night on which God first revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. This is the holiest night of the year for Muslims and falls on one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan – this year it is April 6.
This day is often treated more seriously than the other days of Ramadan, and many Muslims make an extra effort to pray for forgiveness and read the Quran. One should reflect, pray and deliver oneself from sin.
If you would like to learn more about the April topics, we’ve provided the following links:
Arab-American Heritage Month
https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/arab-american-heritage-month
https://www.si.edu/spotlight/arab-american
Laylat al-Qadr
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_Power