Washington, Aug 2: US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have wished Muslims across the world on the occasion of Ramadan.
In his message, Obama said: “As Ramadan begins, Michelle and I would like to send our best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.  Ramadan is a festive time that is anticipated for months by Muslims everywhere.  Families and communities share the happiness of gathering together for Iftar and prayers. Bazaars light up the night in many cities from Rabat to Jakarta.  And here in the United States, Muslim Americans share Ramadan traditions with their neighbours, fellow students, and co-workers.”
“For so many Muslims around the world, Ramadan is also a time of deep reflection and sacrifice. As in other faiths, fasting is used to increase spirituality, discipline, and consciousness of God’s mercy.  It is also a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those less fortunate. Times like this remind us of the lesson of all great faiths, including Islam - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. In that spirit, I wish Muslims around the world a blessed month, and I look forward to again hosting an Iftar dinner here at the White House.  Ramadan Kareem,” said Obama.
In her statement, Clinton said: “On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish all Muslims around the world a happy and blessed Ramadan.”
“Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, sharing and renewal. American Muslims make valuable contributions to our country every day and millions around the world will commemorate this month with acts of service and volunteerism to their communities. Along with dozens of our Embassies, I will host an Eid Celebration in Washington for Muslims and non-Muslims to join together and reflect on our common values, faith and the gifts of the past year. During this month of peace and humility, I wish the 1.6 billion Muslims around the world Ramadan Kareem,” she said.
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

SAUDI KING, CROWN PRINCE FELICITATE MUSLIMS
Meanwhile, custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz congratulated Muslims around the world to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
In their joint statement, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan expressed the true values of Islam, which urge all Muslims to coexist peacefully through unity and tolerance and to give to those in need.
“We ask Allah [God] Almighty to make the advent of this month an opportunity for the Muslim nation to draw great lessons from this holy month; to seek rejection of schism and disunity; and to embody fraternity where the able would stand by the weak, the wealthy would support the needy and the oppressed will forgive the oppressor. As a result, they will build a tolerant society where people coexist peacefully, preserve the rights and respect the limits,” stated the leaders in their joint address.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST