What a powerful message by the outgoing Prez. Clinton. May Allah accept
our fasting, forgive us ofr our sins and bring peace to the world
(amen).

God Speed!
Pa Mambuna, KY

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President Clinton’s Ramadan Message to Muslims


(Washington D.C., Nov. 27)—President William J. Clinton delivered a warm
and eloquent message of friendship and respect to Muslims around the
world on the occasion of the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
[message attached]. In his videotaped and written message, President
Clinton said:

“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.”

The American Muslim Council welcomes President Clinton’s message, and in
turn sends him the warmest greetings. We ask God, in this holiest of
days, to bless our country and guide her in His right path.

President’s Message

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 Qur’an. That the Qur’an 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 Qur’an 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 Qur’an. 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.
--
Source: www.amconline.org

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