Washington:
US President Barack Obama today greeted Muslims across the world on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr and prayed for those killed in recent terrorist attacks during the month of Ramzan in places like Orlando, Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad and Medina.
“This past month, our country and the world endured challenges and senseless violence that broke our hearts and tried our souls. Our prayers are with the hundreds of innocent lives, many of them Muslims, taken during the month of Ramzan in places like Orlando, Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad, and Medina,” Obama said in a statement issued on the occasion of Eid.
For Muslim Americans, Eid is an opportunity to reflect on the 30 days spent fasting and to recommit to values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity, he said.
“Here at home, we’ve also seen a rise in attacks against Muslim Americans. No one should ever feel afraid or unsafe in their place of worship,” he said.
Many Americans have shared in the experience of Ramzan by volunteering in community service efforts to assist those in need and even fasting a few days with their fellow Muslim American co-workers, he added.
“In the face of hate, it’s our American values and strength that bring us together to stand in solidarity and protect one another thereby, making our nation stronger and safer,” Obama said.
“Muslim Americans have been part of our American family since its founding. This Eid, we recommit to protecting Muslim Americans against bigotry and xenophobia, while celebrating the contributions of Muslim Americans around the country, including one of our finest, the People’s Champion Muhammad Ali, to whom we bade farewell this Ramzan,” Obama said.
The President and the First Lady would host an Eid celebration at the White House later this month.
