President Obama: remarks at dinner during Ramadan

July 29, 2013

The White House hosted an Iftar dinner on July 25 to mark the end of fasting on one of the days of the month of Ramadan.

This year, Ramadan began on July 8 and concludes on August 7.

“Leaders from my administration, and guests from all across our nation, and to all of you, and to Muslim Americans all across the country and around the world -- Ramadan Kareem [blessed Ramadan],” said President Barack Obama.

“For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of reflection, a chance to demonstrate one’s devotion to God through prayer and through fasting,” he continued. “But it’s also a time for family and friends to come together -- as we do tonight -- in a spirit of love and respect, to renew our obligations to one another, as well as to renew our commitment to our neighbors and helping the most needy among us. For as the Koran teaches, whoever does an atom’s weight of good, will see its results.”

“Throughout our history, Islam has contributed to the character of our country, and Muslim Americans, and their good works, have helped to build our nation -- and we’ve seen the results,” he continued as he paid tribute to the contributions of Muslim-Americans. “So I want to thank you for what you do, and for reminding us that our nation is stronger and more successful when we harness the talents of all Americans -- no matter where we come from, or what we look like, what our last names are, or how we pray.”

“So God bless you all,” President Obama concluded. “May you and your families have a blessed Ramadan. And with that, I know people are hungry -- let’s eat.”

 

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Further information:

• Remarks by the President at Iftar Dinner (White House)