BURBANK, California (October 14, 2004) – On behalf of Islamic Relief

Worldwide, our staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries across the globe, we

would like to wish you a blessed month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic calendar. During this

month, 1.2 billion Muslims across the world abstain from food, drink, and

sexual relations with their spouses from dawn until dusk. Ramadan is also a

month of mercy and compassion. It is an Islamic tradition that the gates of

heaven are wide open during this month, and Muslims therefore take

advantage of this by increasing their good deeds, and their devotion to God

by attending their local Mosques everyday for prayers.

Most of the 900 Mosques and Islamic Centers in the United States offer meals

at sunset for people to break their fasts, and are open to the public for

anyone who would like to participate.

The month of Ramadan is when Muslims are most generous and charitable,

and they aim to take care of the needs of poor people irrespective of race,

religion, or creed. Muslims recognize that although Ramadan is a festive

month for some, many people across the world are not able to celebrate due

to their impoverished conditions.

Islamic Relief Worlwide, complying with the requests of our donors, increases

its projects to help the needy, both domestically, as well as overseas during

this month.

Once again, we wish you a peaceful and blessed month of Ramadan.

Arif Shaikh from Islamic Relief USA is available for comment or interview

regarding the month of Ramadan, as well as Islamic Relief projects for the

needy during this month.