Obama Sends “Best Wishes” to Muslims Before the Start of Ramadan
EmailABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: In a video message posted on the White House website President Obama extends his “best wishes” to Muslim communities in the US and around the world for Ramadan.
“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 may be upon you.”
Obama said that he knows this is a “festive time” but also a time of “intense devotion and reflection” when Muslims fast during the day and perform Tarwih prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month.
These rituals remind us, the President says, of the principles that different faiths have in common.
“Fasting is a concept shared by many faiths, including my own Christian faith, as a way to bring people closer to God. And to those among us who cannot take their next meal for granted.”
The White House says the President’s message is part of an “on-going dialogue” with Muslim communities – starting with this inauguration day, his statement on Nowruz, during trips to Ankara and Cairo, and with interviews with media outlets such as Al Arabiya and Dawn TV.
“At this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world,” Obama repeated in his message.
The new beginning, he said, must be one of sustained effort to listen, learn, respect and seek common ground.
“I believe an important part of this is listening. And the last two months American embassies have reached out not just to government but directly to people in Muslim majority countries. And from around the world and we have received an outpouring of feedback about how America can be a partner on behalf of people’s aspirations. We have listened.”
The President said they will focus and team up on the areas that make the most difference in people’s lives – on education, jobs and increasing collaboration on science and technology.
“We’re also moving forward with the OIC member states to eradicate polio and working with the international community to confront the common health challenges like H1N1 which I know is particular concern to many Muslims preparing for the hajj.”
Citing the broader “challenging times” for the world – the President reaffirmed his commitment to the problems beyond just America’s borders – as a way to make a build a peaceful and secure world
“That’s why we’re responsibly ending the war in Iraq. That’s why we’re isolating violent extremists while empowering people in the places like Afghanistan and Pakistan. And that is why we strongly and actively support a two-state solution that recognizes the right of Israel and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”
-Sunlen Miller
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Is he CRAZY or just plain STUPID ???
Posted by: American Justice | August 21, 2009, 1:11 pm 1:11 pm
A standard practice photo-op, it will be amusing to see the Right try to work this up for their 2 minute hate.
“Islam is a peace-loving faith that is practiced by more than one billion people, including millions of American Muslims…the Qur’an teaches that Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, worship, and contemplation. Muslims observe this month by renewing their dedication to caring for those in need, doing good deeds, and strengthening family and community ties. These actions reflect many of the values that Muslims share with people of other faiths across our Nation and around the world, including courage, compassion, and service…America remains committed to freedom, justice, and opportunity for all people…” President Bush, Nov 7, 2002
Posted by: jhw539 | August 21, 2009, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
Thank you President Obama for your comments. As a Muslim who lives in Pakistan now and used to live in America, I welcome your well-informed and good-intentioned comments. Your understanding of different cultures and faiths makes you stand out from your predecessors and relays to us a benevolent image of your countrymen. Don’t worry Mr. President, we will not allow the ignorant and the hate-mongers in America to overshadow your administrations message of peaceful coexistence.
Posted by: Bilal Ahmad | August 21, 2009, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
American Justice, he’s BOTH – crazy and stupid.
Posted by: Janet | August 21, 2009, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
Presidents of the past – Repubs AND Dems – have done the same for other religions. No big deal.
Posted by: kay | August 21, 2009, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm
“These people are not like us. They do not value life, especially the life of women.”
Wow unbelievable racism on the right.
Well not unbelievable…sadly par for the course.
“If Ronald Reagan was president right now, his message to the Muslims would be: stop murdering your women!”
Is that why he traded arms with Iran?
Or sent money to Osama Bind Laden and the Afghani Muajdein?
Posted by: Ryan C | August 21, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
“Don’t worry Mr. President, we will not allow the ignorant and the hate-mongers in America to overshadow your administrations message of peaceful coexistence.”
Well, I guess there aren’t any ignorant hate-mongers in the Middle East. Why don’t you spread some peaceful coexistence in your region? It sure as hell needs it.
Posted by: Dante | August 21, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
“Wow unbelievable racism on the right.”
Islam isn’t a race, dummy.
Posted by: Ahab the Arab | August 21, 2009, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
“Don’t worry Mr. President, we will not allow the ignorant and the hate-mongers in America to overshadow your administrations message of peaceful coexistence.”
Nothing says peaceful coexistence like drone attacks on weddings!
Posted by: Collateral Damage | August 21, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
I hope Christian people worldwide will be able to celebrate their holidays. Be it a Manger scene in the U.S. or one in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libia, etc.
Posted by: Reflect09 | August 21, 2009, 2:02 pm 2:02 pm
Let’s see if he sends similar wishes Jews or Christians on a holiday. I doubt we will see that. It is obvious what this guy is all about and to whom he owes an allegiance. It’s now about hate-mongering; it’s the facts. And he doesn’t have a “Christian” faith. He has a Muslim/Rev. Wright faith. That’s why he has never found a church in D.C.; he doesn’t want one. He only attended Rev. Wright’s to get into the community because he needed their votes.
Posted by: RC | August 21, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
“Let’s see if he sends similar wishes Jews or Christians on a holiday.”
President Obama’s Easter and Passover message
““These are two very different holidays with their own very different traditions. But it seems fitting that we mark them both during the same week. For in a larger sense, they are both moments of reflection and renewal. They are both occasions to think more deeply about the obligations we have to ourselves and the obligations we have to one another, no matter who we are, where we come from, or what faith we practice.””
President Obama also held the first ever Passover Sader at the White House.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 21, 2009, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
“I hope Christian people worldwide will be able to celebrate their holidays. Be it a Manger scene in the U.S. or one in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libia, etc.”
A Xtian family was murdered in Pakistan just the other day. The “Religion of Peace” strikes again.
Posted by: Fatwa Jones | August 21, 2009, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
And this is news why????
Posted by: MJ | August 21, 2009, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
Ahab…LOL Short and to the point.. “He” is so predictable isn’t he??? Like shooting fish in a barrel..
Posted by: Parallex View | August 21, 2009, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
“A Xtian family was murdered in Pakistan just the other day. The “Religion of Peace” strikes again.”
You can’t blame a religion for the acts of people. After all, how many people are judgemental and unforgiving while proclaiming themselves to be followers of Jesus?
Posted by: OB-Wan222 | August 21, 2009, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
Oh that Obama would have a similar commitment to “listening” to people in his own country who oppose his policies. Instead, he trashes us, and his Leftist allies call us un-American evil-mongers.
So I ask: what is it that motivates this rookie, no-class, hack-thug of a president to bend over backwards to kiss the behinds of Muslim while daily poking his finger in the eye of a large potion of the American citizenry? Why do Muslims get greater preference than conservative Christian Americans? Where do Obama’s true loyalties lie? (For the record, Bush was just as wrong to ooze out his friendly proclamations to Muslims, too.)
Posted by: Kelten Paulwood | August 21, 2009, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
“Where do Obama’s true loyalties lie? (For the record, Bush was just as wrong to ooze out his friendly proclamations to Muslims, too.)”
I suppose you’re a proponent of $100 gas?
I don’t like your insinuations
Posted by: Cru | August 21, 2009, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
How are we ever going to have peace in this world if some people go crazy when the President – any President – sends a thoughtful and gracious message to the Billions of peaceful Muslims?
The cons can’t respect or even abide anyone that doesn’t think, look and sound just like them – and these “great minds” can’t figure out why the American people no longer want them to be in charge.
Posted by: OB-Wan222 | August 21, 2009, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
Obama certainly has a thing for that religion he “left”.
When the National Day of Prayer came about his year, Obama canceled the regular morning breakfast and begged out of attending the service at the National Cathedral. He simply signed a statement in recognition of the day for release.
Posted by: LogicalSC | August 21, 2009, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
“When the National Day of Prayer came about his year, Obama canceled the regular morning breakfast and begged out of attending the service at the National Cathedral. He simply signed a statement in recognition of the day for release.”
The National Prayer Breakfast happened in Feb. President Obama attended and spoke.
The National Day of Prayer was in May.
The White House did not hold a public service as Bush had done in the past.
The lesson as always? Right wingers lie.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 21, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
“Insinuations of treason” is censored?
How else would you categorize “where do his true loyalties lie?” That should be censored too then..
Posted by: Cru | August 21, 2009, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm
“Ahab…LOL Short and to the point.. “He” is so predictable isn’t he??? Like shooting fish in a barrel…”
I was going to say like blowing up a Sbarro pizza parlor in Israel, but I digress.
My view is that if you’re going to try and insult someone, do it right! or at least make an effort. But kids these days…
Posted by: Ahab the Arab | August 21, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
Jake, could you please ask the President if American troops have conducted ground operations in Pakistan?
And the follow up- according to the NYT, the Bush admin had a covert policy to ‘disrupt’ Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Is the President continuing this policy, or, has it been abandoned in favor of negotiations only?
Posted by: J House | August 21, 2009, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm
“…Bush admin had a covert policy…Is the President continuing this policy…”
You do know the meaning of the word “covert”, right?
Posted by: OB-Wan222 | August 21, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
And the follow up- according to the NYT, the Bush admin had a covert policy to ‘disrupt’ Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Is the President continuing this policy, or, has it been abandoned in favor of negotiations only?
The US is now sending “let’s be friends” videos which get the 1 finger salute in return.
Posted by: Ron from Isfahan | August 21, 2009, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm
Look at what appeasement has done to England and France. They have lost a great deal of their identity and culture because of appeasement. Obama is wrong for appeasing and apologizing to every nation on earth. I am embarrassed that he is our president!!
Posted by: Dr342 | August 22, 2009, 10:02 am 10:02 am
Look at what appeasement has done to England and France. They have lost a great deal of their identity and culture because of appeasement. Obama is wrong for appeasing and apologizing to every nation on earth. I am embarrassed that he is our president!!
Posted by: Dr342 | August 22, 2009, 10:03 am 10:03 am
Muslims have major differences with othe religions. I know of none that hold that the murder of innocents is just fine and dandy. Read “The Politically Incorrect Guide To Islam”, it’s an eye opener.
Posted by: Ron | August 22, 2009, 11:58 am 11:58 am
I just read the story of the young girl who, previously a Muslim, is afraid to go home for fear that her Muslim father will kill her for converting to Christianity.
Posted by: Ron | August 22, 2009, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
I just read the story of the young girl who, previously a Muslim, is afraid to go home for fear that her Muslim father will kill her for converting to Christianity.
And you’d think this was in Pakistan. Oops, no, in the USA! Then there was the muslim TV producer in Buffalo who uh, beheaded his wife. A religion of peace indeed.
Posted by: Florida Fatwa | August 22, 2009, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm