Ramadan time for thoughtful reflection: Obama

WASHINGTON (PAN’s 1.5 billion Muslims. 

“It is also an opportunity for family and friends to come together and celebrate the principles that bind people of different faiths – a commitment to peace, justice, equality and compassion towards our fellow human beings,” he said.

Extending his best wishes to the Muslims, the president said in a message these bonds were far stronger than the differences that too often drove nations apart.

“This month also reminds us that freedom, dignity and opportunity are the undeniable rights of all mankind. We reflect on these universal values at a time when many citizens across the Middle East and North Africa continue to strive for these basic rights…”

Obama said the US stood with those who were working to build a world where all people could write their own future and practice their faith freely, without fear of violence.

“In the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that millions of Muslim Americans enrich our nation each day — serving in our government, leading scientific breakthroughs, generating jobs and caring for our neighbors in need,” he added.

He had been honoured to host an iftar dinner at the White House each of the past four years, the president said. “This year I look forward to welcoming Muslim Americans who are contributing to our country as entrepreneurs, activists and artists.

“I wish Muslims across America and around the world a month blessed with the joys of family, peace and understanding. Ramadan Kareem,” Obama concluded.

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