THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release December 22, 2000 EID AL-FITR 2000 On behalf of the American people, it is my honor to congratulate Muslims around the world on the occasion of the Eid Al-Fitr. Whether native-born or immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, or Europe, Muslims now represent an increasingly important element in the tapestry of American society. Because of the growth of Islam in our country, American citizens of all faiths are coming to appreciate the significance of Ramadan as Muslims fast, pray, and rededicate themselves to the teachings of the Qur'an.
United in faith, America's Muslims are also united in their commitment to building a society rich in diversity and grounded in mutual respect. I believe America is made stronger by the core values of Islam -- commitment to family, compassion for the dis-advantaged, and respect for difference.
There is special significance this year as the three Abrahamic faiths all celebrate holidays in the span of the same week. As Jews celebrate Hanukkah, Christians celebrate Christmas, and now Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. The Qur'an, the Bible, and the Torah all call on believers to love one?s neighbors and to welcome strangers. The Qur'an tells us that we are all People of the Book and that we share a common humanity and dignity.
As the appearance of the new moon brings to a close this holy month, we all pray that it will usher in a year of reconciliation and peace. The First Lady and I wish all Muslims a blessed celebration of the Eid Al-Fitr and peace, health, and prosperity in the years ahead. Eid mubarak.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
VIDEOTAPED REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT IN RAMADAN MESSAGE
THE PRESIDENT: It is a privilege to deliver again this year, on
behalf of the American people, a message of friendship and respect to
Muslims around the world as they begin the sacred month of Ramadan.
As America's six-million-member Muslim community grows in numbers and
prominence, Americans of every religious tradition are learning more about
the origins and meaning of Islam. That on "the Night of Power," the Angel
Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the first
verses of the Koran. That the Koran declares that Ramadan was the month
Allah's words were sent down, and so should be spent in fasting.
The rigors undertaken by devout Muslims inspire respect for Islam
among people of all faiths. And this can bring hope of greater
understanding for good will. It can overflow old boundaries when
wholehearted devotion to one's own faith is matched with a devout respect
for the faith of others.
That is why we welcome Islam in America. It enriches our country with
Islam's teachings of self-discipline, compassion and commitment to family.
It deepens America's respect for Muslims here at home and around the world,
from Indonesia to Pakistan, the Middle East and Africa.
We all had hoped that when this month's crescent moon first appeared
and the month of Ramadan was announced, fasting would begin in a time of
peace. Yet, tragically, violence continues, and lives are being lost in
the land that is holy to Islam, Judaism and Christianity. For all
Americans, these deaths are a source of great sorrow. The Muslim chaplain
at Georgetown University, where I attended college, has told me of a verse
in the Koran in which Allah tells us that He created nations and tribes so
we may know one another, not so we might despise one another.
As the fasting of Ramadan begins, I pray people of all faiths may come
to appreciate this precious wisdom of the Koran. And when next month's
moon appears, and the Muslim world celebrates Eid al-Fitr, we may also
celebrate the revival of our hopes for peace throughout the world. Ramadan
Kareem.
END
Above message at Whitehouse website I had to provide a space on my website for these wonderful words as I found that the links I had provided to past Eid messages, on my What's New Page got deleted from the Whitehouse website after a few years...
For Immediate Release
November 22, 2000
Above message at Whitehouse website
Muslim Celebrations
Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr View President and Mrs. Clinton's past messages regarding Islam
Eid ul Adha - Prophet Ibrahim's Offering
Eid-e Gadhir
Maulid - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Yaum-e Ali - Hazrat Ali's Birthday
Present and Living Imam's Birthday
Imamat Day Succession of Prophet Muhammad's Progeny
Layl tul Qadr - The Night of Power 23rd of Ramadan
Navroz - New Year
