Each Ramadan, the ninth month on the lunar calendar, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is a tradition in many religious faiths and is meant to increase spirituality, discipline, thankfulness, and consciousness of God's mercy. Ramadan is also a time of giving and reaching out to those less fortunate, and this summer, American Muslims have joined their fellow citizens in serving communities across the country. Over the course of the month, we will highlight the perspectives of various faiths on fasting and profile faith-based organizations making real impacts in American cities and towns.
This month is also a time of renewal and this marks the first Ramadan since the President outlined his vision for a new beginning between America and the Muslim world. As a part of that new beginning, the President emphasizes that our relationship with Muslim communities cannot be based on political and security concerns alone. True partnerships also require cooperation in all areas particularly those that can make a positive difference in peoples daily lives, including education, science and technology, health, and entrepreneurship - fields in which Muslim communities have helped play a pioneering role throughout history.
The President's message is part of an on-going dialogue with Muslim communities that began on inauguration day and has continued with his statement on Nowruz, during trips to Ankara and Cairo, and with interviews with media outlets such as Al Arabiya and Dawn TV.
As this dialogue continues and leads to concrete actions, the President extends his greetings on behalf of the American people. Ramadan Kareem.
Mr. Obama's Ramadan message is intended to build on the goodwill generated by his June speech in Cairo to the Muslim world. He says U.S. embassies around the world have reached out to people in Muslim-majority countries in the past two months, to learn how America can find common ground with them. "We have listened. We have heard you. And like you, we are focused on pursuing concrete actions that will make a difference over time, both in terms of the political and security issues that I have discussed, and in the areas that you have told us will make the most difference in people's lives," he said.
The president is also promoting U.S. consultations with Muslim nations on initiatives in education, science, medicine and the economy.
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Friday, August 21, 2009
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