Eid al-Fitr in U.S., 2002

December 7, 2002

Source: The White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/ramadan/eid_greeting.html

On December 7, 2002 The White House issued a Eid al-Fitr greeting. President Bush stated, "I am pleased to send greetings to all of those celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the culmination of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan... Ramadan commemorates the revelation of God's word in the holy Koran to the prophet Mohammed – a word that is read and recited with special attention and reverence during this season. In the past month, Muslims have fasted from food and water during daylight hours, in order to refocus their minds on faith and redirect their hearts toward charity... Muslims worldwide have stretched out a hand of mercy and help to those most in need. Charity tables, at which the poor can break their fast, line the streets of cities and towns. And gifts of food, clothing, and money are distributed to ensure that all share in God's abundance. Muslims often invite members of other faiths to their festive meal at night, known as the iftar, demonstrating a spirit of tolerance."