Washington, DC (BBN) – The US President Barak Obama on Saturday greeted the Muslims across the world on the eve of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims.
“We congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak,” President Obama said in a statement.
“As Muslims in the United States and around the world complete the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Michelle and I would like to extend our personal greetings on this joyous occasion,” the US president added.
He also termed Eid as the time to celebrate the completion of 30 days and nights of devotion.
Mr. Obama appreciated the Muslims saying: “Throughout the month, Muslim communities collect and distribute zakat-ul-fitr so that all Muslims are able to participate in this day of celebration. Even on this festive occasion, Muslims remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease.”
In a separate message, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed that Eid celebrations at the White House, pioneered by her husband Bill Clinton in 1996 when he was president, ensured that “all faiths have a home here in the United States.”
“This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam – charity, community, cooperation, compassion – are values which we hold dear as Americans and which have contributed so much to American culture,” Hillary said.
“We know there is more that unites peoples of faith than divides us. So as Ramazan draws to a close, let us hold on to that spirit of community throughout the year to achieve our common goals of peace, prosperity, and stability,” she added.
BBN/SS/SI/AD-20September09-5:33 pm (BST)
