Here are a few events that take place at ICCF around the year:

Eid Carnival:

Every year, local Muslims gather at the Islamic Cultural Center in Fresno to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan -- but this year, they did it with a little extra pride.

This month, the U.S. House passed a first-of-its-kind resolution, recognizing Islam as a "great religion of the world" and acknowledging Ramadan as a holy month.

"This sends a message of respect to the Muslim community," Kamal Abu-Shamsieh, the center's director, said during a carnival Saturday to celebrate the end of Ramadan. "That vote came to dispel the myth that Muslims are a threat to the community."

The House resolution was not the only milestone celebrated this Ramadan. For the first time, the top of the 102-story Empire State Building was lit green in commemoration of a Muslim holiday.

The significance was not lost on those who gathered Saturday at the Islamic Cultural Center in northeast Fresno for barbecue, bounce houses and games to mark Eid al-Fitr. The "celebration to break the fast" is when Muslims reward themselves for going without food, water, sex and smoking during daylight hours for 30 days.

Many attendees said they felt proud their religion was being portrayed in a positive light.

"It proves to the American people that Islam is not about terrorism," said Asma Sweilem, 43. "It's just like any other religion."

Sina Fazil, 31, was one of the few women at the Eid carnival who wore a traditional Muslim head scarf and dress. She said she is happy that more Americans know about Islam, and that her culture "is out in the open."

"People who saw me wear a scarf used to ask me if I had cancer," she said. "I had to explain to them that this is part of my faith. But now I don't have to explain."

Even in their children's schools, teachers were very understanding about the religious holiday, the women said.

"They didn't go to school Friday because of the holiday," Fazil said. "And the school was so open-minded. It's so good."

As the nation's Muslim population grows, people are becoming more aware of the religion, the women said.

There are more than 3 million Muslims in the United States -- and about 1.5 billion in the world -- making it second only to Christianity as the largest religion in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook.

"The passing of this resolution means that Muslim-Americans are being recognized once again as being a part of the mosaic that makes up the United States," said Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, who supported the resolution passed Oct. 2.

In Fresno, Eid began with an early morning prayer and breakfast on Saturday, followed by a carnival with rock climbing, games, prizes and food.

It was a joyous time for Muslims who had given up food, water, sex, smoking and even perfume and cologne for a month during daylight.

"It's the equivalent to Lent, I guess," said Hasham Sultan, 28. "It's all about self-control. It's tough."

Even children as young as 8 or 9 practiced fasting during Ramadan.

"I told my 8-year-old daughter it was up to her," Sweilem said. "She fasted for five days during the 30 days."

Sweilem said her 13-year-old son fasted the entire 30 days, but her 11-year-old daughter ate one day because she was sick.

"Our culture is easy," she said. "If you're sick or you're tired, very young or very old, you don't have to fast."

Regardless of who fasted during the holy month, the carnival attendees were all glad to share a large barbecue meal together.

"For us today it's the American-Muslim way," Abu-Shamsieh said. "Having family time together is an Islamic value and an American value."

Spirit of Abraham Award:

Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno strives to promote and increase the understanding of Islam and Muslims and recognizes voices of courage that help the Center realize such goal.

Each year, the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno presents the Spirit of Abraham Award to groups and/or individuals who significantly contribute towards enhancing the understanding of Islam and Muslims. The awards gala will be part of the Night of Spirituality that commemorates the commencement of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The program begins with the sunset prayers and will include offering the traditional breaking the fast meal.

To nominate an individual or group, fill out the Nomination Form and return to:

Spirit of Abraham Committee
2111 East Nees Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
 

Past Recipients of Spirit of Abraham Award:

2005 Award Recipient: A Forum for a Better Understanding

A TV program produced by KNXT and the Catholic Diocese of Fresno. The award was presented to Marvin Harrison, KNXT General Manager, Greg Knudson, the producer of Forum For A Better Understanding and Jim Grant, the Forum’s host and producer.The Forum was launched in 2002 based on a radio program holding the same title. Since its inception, it has featured faith leaders from distinct religious traditions who have raised, discussed and reflected upon topics as timely and wide-ranging as interfaith dialogue, ecology, death, religious calling, materialism, racism, war and non-violence, immigration, terrorism and spirituality.
 

2006 Award Recipient:

Jerry Dyer, Chief of Police / Fresno Police Department

Police Chief, Jerry Dyer for his contributions to enhancing the understanding of Islam and Muslims among police officers. To achieve this goal, Chief Dyer has approved starting in January 2006 a weekly one-hour workshop, led by the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno that focused on positive interaction and partnership with the Muslim community.

Jerry Dyer made efforts in reaching out to the Muslim community. Chief Dyer and former FBI Supervisor Tom Knowles visited the Islamic Center in 2005 to listen to community concerns following the arrest of 5 Muslims in Lodi.

Fully aware of the unfortunate lack of understanding of Islam and Muslims, Chief Dyer approved a request by the Islamic Center to conduct a series of diversity training seminars for police officers and support staff. The diversity program is a one-hour workshop titled, “Working with the American Muslim Community”.

This interactive workshop enabled officers to be ask questions about Islam and Muslims, address scenarios when dealing with Muslim immigrants or what to expect when visiting a Muslim home or an Islamic Center.

Such seminar was timely as members of Fresno Police officers take leave to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. They come into contacts with Muslims under extreme circumstances. The Islamic Center is proud to contribute to the well being and safety of our police officers and fellow Muslims by sharing Islam’s basic beliefs, offering insights on how to interact with Muslims and by making our selves available whenever the department calls on us.

As a result of this program, several law enforcement agencies received the training. Among them are the local Fresno FBI office, members of Fresno US Attorney's office and the team of McGregor Scott, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California based in Sacramento.
 

Faith & Values, a section of The Fresno Bee:

The Faith & Values section of The Fresno Bee was honored for its positive coverage of the diverse faiths and religions in Fresno and Central California.

Since its launching in the late 90’s, Faith & Values has covered the religious diversity of Fresno and the Central Valley. The Muslim community is proud of such coverage of Islam and urged The Fresno Bee to maintain its inclusiveness and its positive reporting about Islam & Muslims.
 

2007 Award Recipient:

Japanese American Citizen's League / JACL

The award honored the efforts of Japanese American Citizen’s League for preserving civil liberties and its unwavering support of the Muslim community since 9/11

The Japanese American Citizens League was among the first organizations to stand in solidarity with the Muslim and Arab communities. The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno joined community commemoration of executive order 9066 that led to the internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry. During the commemoration, the JACL continued its legacy of protecting the civil liberties of American Muslims. The Honorable Judge, Dale Ikeda included Muslims and Arab Americans in his keynote speech. His message of solidarity was a courageous stand during difficult times when Muslim are stigmatized and their civil liberties are diminished.
 

Dr. Alfred Evans / CSU Fresno professor

Dr. Alfred Evans was honored for his valuable contributions towards the understanding of Islam and Muslims. The Islamic Center has participated in several interfaith projects that Dr Evans helped in establishing. Among such projects are The Interfaith Scholar Weekend, The National Day of Prayer, The CROP Hunger Walk, Muslim-Christian Dialogue and the Interfaith Alliance of Central California.