A Stamp of Acceptance for Muslims

Calling it a seal of happiness and blessings, Muslim Americans gathered in Santa Ana on Tuesday to unveil the first U.S. postal stamp commemorating their religious holidays.

“It’s not just a stamp,” said Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, president of the Islamic Society of North America. “It’s a symbol that we are part of this society.”

After a brief prayer, about 30 community members clapped and cheered “God is great” in Arabic as postal officials at the Plaza of the Flags unveiled the blue stamp etched with the words “blessed holiday” in gold Arabic calligraphy.

Muslim Americans have sent requests to the U.S. Postal Service for three years urging that the holiday stamps be printed. Siddiqi said the printing recognizes the contributions made by the nation’s approximately 7 million Muslim Americans.

The stamp actually commemorates two events: the end of Ramadan, the most holy holiday observed with a monthlong fast, and Hajj, which celebrates the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

The new stamp is part of the post office’s holiday celebration series that includes stamps commemorating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Cinco de Mayo and Thanksgiving.

Seventy-five million Muslim holiday stamps were printed and sold beginning Tuesday.

“After one year, we won’t have them anymore,” said Imam Sayed Moustafa Qazwini, with the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County in Costa Mesa. “So everyone I know is stocking up to use them later. We are very proud of it.”