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.