President Obama Sends Ramadan Greetings (August 21)
Ramadan Kareem
As
the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, the President extends his best wishes
to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.
Each Ramadan, the ninth month on the lunar calendar, Muslims fast daily from
dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is a tradition in many religious
faiths and is meant to increase spirituality, discipline, thankfulness, and
consciousness of God's mercy. Ramadan is also a time of giving and reaching out
to those less fortunate, and this summer, American Muslims have joined their
fellow citizens in serving communities across the country. Over the course of
the month, we will highlight the perspectives of various faiths on fasting and
profile faith-based organizations making real impacts in American cities and
towns.This month is also a time of renewal and this marks the first Ramadan
since the President outlined his vision for a new beginning between America and
the Muslim world. As a part of that new beginning, the President emphasizes
that our relationship with Muslim communities cannot be based on political and
security concerns alone. True partnerships also require cooperation in all
areas - particularly those that can make a positive difference in peoples'
daily lives, including education, science and technology, health, and
entrepreneurship - fields in which Muslim communities have helped play a
pioneering role throughout history.
The President's message is part of an on-going dialogue with Muslim communities
that began on inauguration day and has continued with his statement on Nowruz,
during trips to Ankara and Cairo, and with interviews with media outlets such
as Al Arabiya and Dawn TV.As this dialogue continues and leads to concrete
actions, the President extends his greetings on behalf of the American
people. Ramadan Kareem.
See also: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Ramadan-Kareem/