17 October 2006
Muslims in America Enjoy Gift of Religious Freedom, President Says
White House iftar October 16 honors Muslim citizens, military
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.)
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.
The full text of Bush’s remarks is available on the White House Web site.
For more on U.S. society, see Population and Diversity and International Religious Freedom.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
