Statement by President Obama on the Occasion of Ramadan

Mogadishu Khamiis 26 July 2012 SMC

Naga soo wac halkan (Skype)

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world at the start of Ramadan.  For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection; a time of joy and celebration.  It’s a time to cherish family, friends, and neighbors, and to help those in need.

This year, Ramadan holds special meaning for those citizens in the Middle East and North Africa who are courageously achieving democracy and self-determination and for those who are still struggling to achieve their universal rights.  The United States continues to stand with those who seek the chance to decide their own destiny, to live free from fear and violence, and to practice their faith freely.  Here in the United States, Ramadan reminds us that Islam is part of the fabric of our Nation, and that—from public service to business, from healthcare and science to the arts—Muslim Americans help strengthen our country and enrich our lives.

Even as Ramadan holds profound meaning for the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims, it is also a reminder to people of all faiths of our common humanity and the commitment to justice, equality, and compassion shared by all great faiths.  In that spirit, I wish Muslims across America and around the world a blessed month, and I look forward to again hosting an iftar dinner here at the White House.  Ramadan Kareem.   

______________________________________________________________________

Matt Goshko

Public Affairs Officer | Somalia Affairs Unit | U.S. Embassy, Nairobi 

Office 254-20-363-6181 | Cell  254-073 360 8556 | Fax: 254-20-363-6329

GoshkoME@state.gov

Visit us at http://somalia.usvpp.gov/index.html

Naga soo wac halkan (Skype)

Somaliweyn Media Center (SMC)

contact@somaliweyn.com