President Obama: remarks at dinner during Ramadan

June 25, 2015

The White House hosted an Iftar dinner on June 23 to mark the end of fasting on one of the days of the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan began this year on June 17; it concludes on July 17.

“Our annual White House Iftar recognizes the sacredness of Ramadan to more than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world,” said President Barack Obama. “It’s a time when Muslims recommit themselves to their faith, following days of discipline with nights of gratitude for the gifts that God bestows. It’s a time of spiritual renewal and a reminder of one’s duty to our fellow man-- to serve one another and lift up the less fortunate.”

“The Quran teaches that God’s children should tread gently upon the earth and, when confronted by ignorance, reply ‘peace,’ he continued. “In honoring these familiar values together-- of peace and charity and forgiveness-- we affirm that, whatever our faith, we’re all one family.”

After paying tribute to various American Muslims, the president added:

So tonight, we keep in our prayers those who are suffering around the world, including those marking Ramadan in areas of conflict and deprivation and hunger. The people of Iraq and Syria as they push back on the barbarity of ISIL … So these challenges around the world and here at home demand the very qualities you summon every day during Ramadan: sacrifice, discipline, patience. A resilience that says we don’t simply endure, but we overcome. Together, we can overcome ignorance and prejudice. Together, we will overcome conflict and injustice-- not just with words, but with deeds.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Remarks by the President at the 2015 Iftar Dinner (White House)