BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the start of the Islamic New Year:

“Today, we join in honoring the Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, when the Month of Muharram in the year 1438 starts at sundown. The contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States and the borough of Brooklyn are invaluable, and I am proud to share in friendship with many members of the community. Muharram, a sacred month, includes the day of Ashura, when Muslims fast to demonstrate their respect for Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people, who according to Islamic tradition were saved on this day by God from Pharaoh and his army. As Muslim families offers blessings for peaceful new year of good works, health, and success, I want to wish everyone a happy new Hijri year. Kullu am wa’antum bikhai.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives, proudly represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.