The US President Barack Obama has greeted Muslims on the eve of the holy Ramadan and said this month reminds that “freedom, dignity and opportunity are the undeniable rights of all mankind”.
“We reflect on these universal values at a time when many citizens across the Middle East and North Africa continue to strive for these basic rights and as millions of refugees mark Ramadan far from their homes,” Obama said in a statement issued before the beginning of the month of fasting.
Obama said for the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims, “Ramadan is a time for thoughtful reflection, fasting and devotion”.
“It is also an opportunity for family and friends to come together and celebrate the principles that bind people of different faiths – a commitment to peace, justice, equality and compassion towards our fellow human beings. These bonds are far stronger than the differences that too often drive us apart,” read the statement.
He said the United States stands with those who are working to build a world “where all people can write their own future and practice their faith freely, without fear of violence”.
“In the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that millions of Muslim Americans enrich our nation each day — serving in our government, leading scientific breakthroughs, generating jobs and caring for our neighbours in need.
“I have been honoured to host an iftar dinner at the White House each of the past four years, and this year I look forward to welcoming Muslim Americans who are contributing to our country as entrepreneurs, activists and artists,” he said in the statement.
Source: Bd news24
