US Former President Bill Clinton
Sends Muslims Ramadan Greeting

Here is the text of the message that the President of the United States sent Muslims during Ramadan 1421:

THE WHITE HOUSE 

RAMADAN 1999 [November 22, 2000]

It is a privilege to deliver again this year, on behalf of the American people, a message of friendship and respect to Muslims around the world as they begin the sacred month of Ramadan. 

As America's six-million-member Muslim community grows in numbers and prominence, Americans of every religious tradition are learning more about the origins and meaning of Islam. That on "the Night of Power," the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the first verses of the Koran. That the Koran declares that Ramadan was the month Allah's words were sent down, and so should be spent in fasting. 

The rigors undertaken by devout Muslims inspire respect for Islam among people of all faiths. And this can bring hope of greater understanding for good will. It can overflow old boundaries when wholehearted devotion to one's own faith is matched with a devout respect for the faith of others. That is why we welcome Islam in America. It enriches our country with Islam's teachings of self-discipline, compassion and commitment to family. It deepens America's respect for Muslims here at home and around the world, from Indonesia to Pakistan, the Middle East and Africa. 

We all had hoped that when this month's crescent moon first appeared and the month of Ramadan was announced, fasting would begin in a time of peace. Yet, tragically, violence continues, and lives are being lost in the land that is holy to Islam, Judaism and Christianity. For all Americans, these deaths are a source of great sorrow. 

The Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University, where I attended college, has told me of a verse in the Koran in which Allah tells us that He created nations and tribes so we may know one another, not so we might despise one another. 

As the fasting of Ramadan begins, I pray people of all faiths may come to appreciate this precious wisdom of the Koran. And when next month's moon appears, and the Muslim world celebrates Eid al-Fitr, we may also celebrate the revival of our hopes for peace throughout the world. Ramadan Kareem.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

CONTACT INFORMATION: The White House 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Tel:
202-456-1414 Fax: 202-456-2461 E-mail:
president@whitehouse.gov 

The White House released the following Eid al-Adha greeting to Muslims on March 10, 2000:

Warm greetings to Muslims across the United States and around the world as you celebrate Eid al-Adha and join in spirit with the millions gathered in Mecca to perform their sacred duty.

Beyond its profound religious significance to Muslims, this annual Pilgrimage constitutes the world's most diverse peaceful assembly. The variety of nations and cultures represented by those who gather in Mecca
each year is a powerful reminder that ethnic differences need not divide us when we share common purposes and values. And the Pilgrimage provides striking proof that, by building on the strong foundations of mutual respect and tolerance, we can achieve peace and reconciliation in our world.

May this year's Eid al-Adha bring tranquility, peace, and joy to Muslims everywhere.

Bill Clinton

Note: To respond to the President's Eid greetings, E-mail:
president@whitehouse.gov.

Here is the text of the message that the President of the United States sent Muslims during Ramadan 1420:

THE WHITE HOUSE 

RAMADAN 1999 [December 9, 1999]

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. Islam is one of the world's most prominent religions and a source of profound strength and guidance for millions of Americans.

Members of the Muslim American community have made enormous contributions to our national life. I am especially pleased that my alma mater, Georgetown University, has named its first Muslim chaplain, reflecting the increasing recognition in our country of the Islamic faith and our firm commitment to religious tolerance. Sadly, in too many communities around the world, Muslims and other believers are unable to worship according to their religious traditions.

We look forward to the day when people of all faiths can freely express their beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination. 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. As the followers of Islam celebrate the revelation of God's word to Muhammad, we join you in honoring his call for harmony and peace.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

CONTACT INFORMATION: The White House 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Tel:
202-456-1414 Fax: 202-456-2461 E-mail:
president@whitehouse.gov 

Here is the reply forwarded by our Institute:

Dear Mr. President,

The Board of Governors of the Italian Muslim Association, and the Directorate of the Cultural Institute of the Italian Islamic Community and the Islamic School of Rome, thank you for your Ramadan greetings and for your good wishes to Muslims throughout the world.

Nine years have passed since a President of the United States started to send annual Ramadan greetings to Muslims. We are very glad to receive greetings from you, which we read aloud in our 
mosques. We hope that your good wishes will benefit the members of our Ummah (the Muslim community) throughout Europe.

We ask Allah, the Most High, for the privilege to see to the day when people of all faiths can freely express their beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination, when our brothers and sisters suffering 
under dictatorial regimes will receive that freedom of religion which is guaranteed to all Americans by your blessed Constitution.

May Allah bless you for joining with the Prophet Muhammad (sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) in his call for harmony and peace between all peoples.

Praise be to Allah. Wa-s-salam