THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, sir. It's good to be with you
again. And it is my honor to visit the Islamic Center of Washington
once again.
For half a century, this beautiful mosque has served as a place of
worship for Muslims and has helped to advance understanding between
people of different faiths. Millions of our fellow Americans practice
the Muslim faith. They lead lives of honesty and justice and
compassion.
I am pleased to join you today in the celebration of Eid, the
culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan. I appreciate so very much
Dr. Khouj, and I want to thank the other distinguished imam from the
Washington, D.C. area. Thank you all for being here. And I enjoyed
our visit. I also appreciate the Muslim schoolchildren who are here,
telling me stories and reading poems and showing the art work. Please
tell them thanks again for their hospitality.
Islam traces its origins back to God's call on Abraham. And
Ramadan commemorates the revelation of God's word in the Holy Koran to
the prophet Mohammad -- a word that is read and recited with special
attention and reverence by Muslims during this season.
Over the past month, Muslims have fasted, taking no food or water
during daylight hours, in order to refocus their minds on faith and
redirect their hearts to charity. Muslims worldwide have stretched out
a hand of mercy to those in need. Charity tables at which the poor can
break their fast line the streets of cities and towns. And gifts of
food and clothing and money are distributed to ensure that all share in
God's abundance. Muslims often invite members of other families to
their evening iftar meals, demonstrating a spirit of tolerance.
During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims celebrate the completion of their fast
and the blessings of renewed faith that have come with it. Customs
vary between countries -- from illuminating lanterns in Egypt to
lighting firecrackers in Pakistan, to inviting elders to traditional
feasts in Niger. Around the world, families and neighbors and friends
gather to share traditional foods, and congratulate each other on
meeting the test of Ramadan.
The spirit behind this holiday is a reminder that Islam brings hope
and comfort to more than a billion people worldwide. Islam affirms
God's justice and insists on man's moral responsibility. This holiday
is also an occasion to remember that Islam gave birth to a rich
civilization of learning that has benefitted mankind.
Here in the United States our Muslim citizens are making many
contributions in business, science and law, medicine and education, and
in other fields. Muslim members of our Armed Forces and of my
administration are serving their fellow Americans with distinction,
upholding our nation's ideals of liberty and justice in a world at
peace. And in our Nation's Capital, this center contributes greatly to
our spiritual and cultural life.
On behalf of Laura and our family and the American people, I bring
our best wishes to all who worship here, and to Muslims throughout the
world for a joyous Eid, and for health and happiness and prosperity in
the year to come.