Ramadan Greetings......
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan
As another new moon heralds the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to Muslims across the United States and around the world.
For many, this month is an opportunity to focus on reflection and spiritual growth, forgiveness, patience and resilience, compassion for those less fortunate, and unity across communities. Each lesson is profound on its own, and taken together forms a harmonious whole. It’s also a time of year that brings some of the best dishes to the table across the world as families and neighbors gather for iftar.
Here in the United States, we are blessed with Muslim communities as diverse as our nation itself. There are those whose heritage can be traced back to the very beginning of our nation, as well as those who have only just arrived. Doctors, lawyers, artists, teachers, scientists, community organizers, public servants, and military members, each night will all break their fasts together in cities across America.
As Muslim Americans celebrate the holy month, I am reminded that we are one American family. I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights. I stand committed to safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans no matter their religion or appearance. I stand in celebration of our common humanity and dedication to peace and justice for all.
And in this month of reflection, we cannot forget the millions of lives that have been displaced by conflict and struggle, across the world and in our own backyards. Far too many Muslims may not be able to observe Ramadan from the comfort of their own homes this year or afford to celebrate Eid with their children. We must continue working together to alleviate the suffering of these individuals. This sacred time reminds us of our common obligations to uphold the dignity of every human being. We will continue to welcome immigrants and refugees into our nation, including those who are Muslim.
As I have done throughout my presidency, I look forward to opening the doors of the White House to Muslim Americans during this special occasion – this year for an Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan. I can think of no better way to mark my Administration’s last celebration of Ramadan as President than to honor the contributions of Muslims in America and across the world for Eid. Ramadan Kareem.
Saudi King Salman
Thanks to Allah Almighty who said in His holy book that “the month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance for people — clear verses of guidance and the criterion. Therefore, whoever of you witnesses the month, let him fast. But he who is ill, or on a journey shall (fast) a similar number (of days) later on; Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you. And that you fulfill the number of days and exalt Allah Who has guided you in order that you be thankful.”
And prayer and peace be upon the best of His creation our Prophet Muhammad Bin Abdullah, his family, his companions and followers until the day of resurrection.
Dear brothers and sisters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, my brother Muslims all over the world, Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatu Allahi Wa Barakatuhu and accept my Ramadan greetings.
Let us thank God Almighty that we have the chance to once again witness this great and beloved month, the month of Qur’an, mercy, forgiving and redemption from hell. Thanks for Him for bestowing on us abundant seen and unseen graces. And thanks for Him for the goodness, prosperity, high status and dignity He bestowed on this country in particular, as it is the land of revelation and from it the prophecy showing the way to righteousness has emerged to mankind as God has chosen this land to become the home of the two holy mosques and the Qibla for all Muslims as they direct their faces toward it five times daily, day or night, appealing for the mercy of Allah.
Dear Muslims all over the world, the month of Ramadan comes this year as our Islamic nation is in dire need to translate the meanings and objectives of this great month to make all worships solely devoted to Allah and fasting is the most sincerest of worships. In this regard, the Prophet was quoted as saying, “Allah said, ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him except the fasting. It is done for My sake, and I will give a reward for it.’ By Allah in Whose hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk”. Our nation of Islam should follow the instructions of the Prophet when he said, “The believers are like one person; if his head aches, the whole body aches with fever and sleeplessness”. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its foundation by the late King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, God bestows His mercy on him, has made the unity of the Islamic nation and the endeavor to reconcile the ranks of Arab and Islamic nations as the goal it always targeted and is keen to achieve this as much as possible.
We, as leadership and people, will remain keen to secure this goal since we become happy when our brother Muslims are happy and distressed once they become distressed. We will stand by them in both hardship and prosperity.
Muslim brothers, Ramadan is the month of mercy, which reminds us that the whole world complains of the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Despite its varied and malicious motives, terrorism is a deviation from the natural instinct that does not differentiate between right and wrong and does not respect pledges and sanctities. It has crossed the borders of states and penetrated their relations, spoiling ties among the loved ones and the tolerant, and dividing fathers and sons as well as families and groups.
My brothers, Islam is the religion of mercy, compassion, love and moderation, which calls for peace, justice and the renunciation of violence and extremism. We ask God in this blessed month to help the Islamic nation and the whole world to root out this scourge and eliminate it once and for all. I beseech Him to give us help and success and to accept our fasting, prayers and good deeds.
Wishing you good health all year round, and peace, mercy and blessings of God.
UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron
It’s the holy month of Ramadan – a time when mosques open their doors, community centers welcome in their neighbors, and even churches and synagogues offer up their spaces as Muslims break their fasts – and people of all faiths and none are often asked to join.
Coventry Cathedral is holding its own multi-faith iftar. In Manchester, they’re combining an iftar with England’s European Championships appearance. And homeless shelters up and down the country are holding ‘Iftars with the Homeless’.
Of course, fasting is what comes to mind when we think of Ramadan. It’s part of the month that really puts Muslims’ faith to the test – especially during these long, warm days.
But there is much more to it.
There is all the energy and money people donate to those who are less fortunate and all the extra time spent in prayer and contemplation.
Uppermost in all our minds this Ramadan are those whose lives have been torn apart by the twin evils of Assad and Daesh, all those families spending this holy month in refugee camps mourning loved ones; yearning to go back to school or work; wondering when they’ll return home again.
Our thoughts – whatever our backgrounds or beliefs – are with them. And we must continue to support the people of Syria and the region, as we work towards a lasting political solution. Because that’s who we are as a country. We won’t walk on by. So this Ramadan, let’s renew our resolve to help those victims.
Let’s continue to come together for iftars and community events. Let’s celebrate the proud, multi-racial, multi-faith democracy we live in. To everyone in Britain and around the world – Ramadan Mubarak.
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