Washington:
US President Barack Obama has greeted the Muslims all over the world on the occasion of beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
"Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. This is a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared," Obama said in a statement.
"But Ramadan is also a time of intense devotion and reflection a time when Muslims fast during the day and pray during the night; when Muslims provide support to others to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere," he added.
"For all of us must remember that the world we want to build and the changes that we want to make must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities," Obama said.
"These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam's role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings."
Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality, he said.
"Here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country. And today, I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world and your families and friends as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan," Obama said.
The US President is planning to host an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan at the White House later this week.
In a separate message, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the holy month of Ramadan is a time for self reflection and sharing.
"American Muslims make valuable contributions to our country every day and millions will honour this month with acts of service and giving back to their communities," she said.
"Along with dozens of our Embassies, I will host an Iftar in Washington, DC, for Muslims and non-Muslims to join together and reflect on our common values, faith and the gifts of the past year," she said.
At our Iftar, we will also celebrate dozens of young American Muslims who are helping shape the future of our country with their energy and spirit," Clinton said.
These young business and social entrepreneurs, academics, spiritual leaders, and other young Muslims around the world are leading the way to a new era of mutual respect and cooperation among all the citizens of the world, she said.
"During this month of peace and renewal, I wish the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world Ramadan Kareem," she said.
"Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. This is a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared," Obama said in a statement.
"But Ramadan is also a time of intense devotion and reflection a time when Muslims fast during the day and pray during the night; when Muslims provide support to others to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere," he added.
"For all of us must remember that the world we want to build and the changes that we want to make must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities," Obama said.
"These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam's role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings."
Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality, he said.
"Here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country. And today, I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world and your families and friends as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan," Obama said.
The US President is planning to host an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan at the White House later this week.
In a separate message, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the holy month of Ramadan is a time for self reflection and sharing.
"American Muslims make valuable contributions to our country every day and millions will honour this month with acts of service and giving back to their communities," she said.
"Along with dozens of our Embassies, I will host an Iftar in Washington, DC, for Muslims and non-Muslims to join together and reflect on our common values, faith and the gifts of the past year," she said.
At our Iftar, we will also celebrate dozens of young American Muslims who are helping shape the future of our country with their energy and spirit," Clinton said.
These young business and social entrepreneurs, academics, spiritual leaders, and other young Muslims around the world are leading the way to a new era of mutual respect and cooperation among all the citizens of the world, she said.
"During this month of peace and renewal, I wish the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world Ramadan Kareem," she said.
