This year for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the HRC Foundation is launching an online campaign to tell the stories of LGBTQ Muslims and their allies. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar when God revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad. During this time, Muslims, including LGBTQ Muslims, fast from dawn until dusk and are encouraged to pray, read the Qur’an and give to charity.

We hope the reflections offered every week starting May 27 until Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr on June 25, will bless souls, revive spirits, renew minds and strengthen bodies. These stories will be hosted on the HRC website and on Twitter and Facebook.

This post comes from Ani Zonneveld, President of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) and member of HRC's Religion Council

Ramadan Reflections: EID MUBARAK

I am reminded how the holy month of Ramadan has become a season of Thanksgiving. With a packed calendar of 'iftars' --  breaking of fast with our Muslim and non-Muslim members of our community --, I am genuinely inspired and hopeful by how different communities can come together to express that thanksgiving and gratitude.

H​ere in the ​U.S., ensuring the rights of all people is one of the guiding principles for Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV). We have been advocating for LGBTQ equality for 10 years, including producing theological Islamic content that empowers and affirms LGBTQ Muslims. After the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, many Islamic religious institutions and leaders collectively denounced the attack on the LGBTQ community but we took it to the next level,  challenging the Muslim community to do away with anti-LGBTQ teachings.

Sadly​ though​, intolerance continues to breed in many different forms. We’ve seen an increase in violence around the globe and attacks on LGBTQ people in Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Chechnya. However, we will not let the tragedies deter us from marching forward together.

In a few days, MPV and HRC will jointly host a booth at the Islamic Society of North America Convention (ISNA) in Chicago, ​the ​heart of the ​largest annual convening of conservative Muslims from North America.

Our presence at the ISNA convention is a clear indication that we are charting a new path forward. It is because the long time partnership between MPV and HRC is stronger than ever. Our desire to work together has never been greater, and our commitment to eradicating hatred and intolerance will continue until love conquers hate. It is these relationships that matter as we chart our path out of darkness.

As Ramadan comes to a close with the onset of Eid al-Fitr, ​we invite you to celebrate Eid with us in Washington, D.C., at an event co-hosted by MPV-DC chapter and HRC Foundation on July 1.

On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, may God bless you with happiness and grace your home with warmth, peace and love. Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak!