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Iftaar Dinner at the White House 2006

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"I send greetings to the many Muslims observing Ramadan in America and around the world.

Ramadan is the holiest time of the Muslim year and an important holiday when Muslims take time for prayer, fasting, and personal sacrifice. According to Islamic teachings, this month represents when God delivered His word to the prophet Muhammad in the form of the Qur'an. Ramadan is also an opportunity to gather with friends and family and show thanks for God's blessings through works of charity.

Ramadan and the upcoming holiday seasons are a good time to remember the common values that bind us together. Our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens whose commitment to faith reminds us of the gift of religious freedom in our country.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak."

President George W. Bush
September 22, 2006


 

President’s Ramadan Message 2006
September 22, 2006

"America is a land of many faiths, and we welcome and honor the Muslim faith in our nation. Our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens. Your commitment to your faith reminds us all of the precious gift of religious freedom in our country. America is a more hopeful nation because of the talents and generosity and compassion of our Muslim citizens."

GEORGE W. BUSH


Additional Coverage

An-Nahaar Lebanese Newspaper, Oct. 17, 2006


As-Safeer Lebanese Newspaper, Oct. 17, 2006


Washington Post, October 17, 2006
President Bush pauses after introducing Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston to deliver a blessing and prayer during the Iftaar Dinner with Ambassadors and Muslim leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 16, 2006. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)


Mon Oct 16, 7:39 PM ET
President Bush shakes hands with Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston after he delivered a blessing and prayer during the Iftaar Dinner with ambassadors and Muslim leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 16, 2006. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)


Reuters - Mon Oct 16, 7:23 PM ET
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) thanks Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston at the Iftaar dinner with ambassadors and Muslim leaders at the White House in Washington October 16, 2006. REUTERS/ Jim Young (UNITED STATES)


Mon Oct 16, 7:28 PM ET
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) attends the Iftaar dinner with Imam Talal Eid and ambassadors and Muslim leaders at the White House in Washington October 16, 2006. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES)


Mon Oct 16, 7:28 PM ET
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) attends the Iftaar dinner with Imam Talal Eid and ambassadors and Muslim leaders at the White House in Washington October 16, 2006. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES)


AP - Mon Oct 16, 7:32 PM ET
President Bush bows his head as Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston delivers a prayer and blessing during the Iftaar Dinner with ambassadors and Muslim leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington.


17 October 2006
Muslims in America Enjoy Gift of Religious Freedom, President Says
White House iftar October 16 honors Muslim citizens, military
By Carolee Walker
Washington File Staff Writer
President Bush shakes hands with Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston after he delivered a blessing and prayer during the Iftaar Dinner with ambassadors and Muslim leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, October 16, 2006. (© AP Images)


Mon Oct 16, 7:28 PM ET
Washington - The commitment of Muslims to practice their faith in America is a reminder of the gift of religious freedom in the United States, President Bush said at the White House October 16.

"America is a land of many faiths, and we welcome and honor the Muslim faith in our nation," Bush told his guests at a White House iftar dinner honoring Muslim paramedics and police officers from New York City who helped rescue survivors on September 11, 2001, and Muslim Americans who serve in the U.S. military.

"America is a more hopeful nation because of the talents and generosity and compassion of our Muslim citizens," Bush added.

During the month of Ramadan, which this year ends on October 22, Muslims around the world refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours and break their fast at nightly iftar dinners at sunset. Iftar dinners are intended to be community gatherings where Muslims invite family and friends to join in the festive meal. (See related article.)

First lady Laura Bush bows her head in prayer with guests during the Iftaar Dinner with ambassadors and Muslim leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, October 16, 2006. (© AP Images)

President Bush said Islam is a religion that transcends race and ethnicity, bringing hope and comfort to billions of people worldwide. He said for Muslims in America and in other countries, Ramadan is a time of charity and service to those in need.

"For people of all faiths, it is a good time to reflect on the values we hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to God, the importance of community and a commitment to tolerance and religious freedom."

Bush said the United States appreciates support from its Muslim allies in the war on terror. "We are proud to work with you to defeat the terrorists and extremists, and help bring a brighter future to millions of Muslim people throughout the world who yearn for moderation and peace."

Dinner guests included U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes, National Institutes of Health Director Elias Zerhouni, Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston, and ambassadors and members of the U.S. diplomatic corps.

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