Washington, DC (BBN)– U.S. President Barack Obama greeted the Muslim communities in the United States and around the world on the occasion of holy month of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning with a simple word-‘iqra’. It is, therefore, a time when Muslims reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God,” U.S. president said in a massage on Friday.
Mr. Obama said the rituals of fasting during the day and performing ‘tarawih’ prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings.
Terming the support of Muslims to others as responsibility to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere, he said, “For all of us must remember that the world we want to build – and the changes that we want to make – must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.”
He said the service of faith-based organizations, including many Islamic organizations aroused a spirit of responsibility. ”We must sustain in the months and years to come this spirit to build a world that is more peaceful and secure.”
The U.S. president said, “That is why we are isolating violent extremists while empowering the people in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we strongly and actively support a two-state solution that recognizes the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”
“All of these efforts a part of America’s commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect,” he said, adding: “I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world at this time of renewal.”
The U.S. president concluded the message saying “I look forward to continuing this critically important dialogue and turning it into action. And today, I want to wish Muslims across America and around the world a blessed month as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan. May God’s peace be upon you.”
BBN/SS/SI/AD-22August09-5:44 pm (BST)
