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Clinton Sends Ramadan Greetings

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As the new moon was sighted and the first day of Ramadan was officially announced, the world’s over 1 billion Muslims took to their fasts. It is the sighting of the crescent moon at the end of the month of Shaban which signifies the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. It was 1420 years ago that God revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For centuries, Muslims from all corners of the globe have observed the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. During each day of this month, Muslims must abstain from food, water, smoking, and sexual relations from sun up to sun down. The act of self-purification, sacrifice, and discipline is incumbent upon every able Muslim from the age of puberty. During Ramadan Muslims study and recite passages from the Qur’an, attend mosques, lectures, and strengthen family and community ties.

This year, on the first day of Ramadan, President and Mrs. Clinton warmly wished Ramadan greetings to Muslims worldwide and to America’s six million Muslims, as has been customary since the early 1990s. In his announcement, President Clinton said, “Warm greetings to Muslims across America and around the world as you celebrate the start of Ramadan, a holy month of prayer, fasting, reflection, and good works.”

The Clinton Administration is the first to welcome Ramadan among the major religious holidays celebrated in the United States. It was in February 1996 that the first Iftar dinner was held on Capitol Hill to celebrate the breaking of the fast during Ramadan. The dinner was sponsored by the American Muslim Council (AMC) and six congressmen. On February 20th of that same year, the first day of the Eid ul-Fitr holiday was celebrated in a reception hosted by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in the executive office building. One hundred Muslim families from across the United States were invited to attend. On December 19, 1997, American Muslims saw the symbol of Islam, the crescent and the star, displayed along with the national Christmas tree and the Jewish menorah on the White House Ellipse. In 1998, AMC also co-hosted the first Iftar dinner at the Pentagon.

As Muslims continue to practice their faith in growing numbers around the world, the peaceful message of Islam continues to grow and make a positive impression among non-Muslims. In his Ramadan greeting, President Clinton also said, “Each year, Ramadan brings a promise of renewal and hope for the world. I pray that, as the new moon rises, we will witness the beginning of a new era of tolerance around the globe.”