THE WHITE HOUSE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
November 15, 2001

As the new moon signals the holy month of Ramadan, I extend warm greetings 
to Muslims throughout the United States and around the world.

The Islam that we know is a faith devoted to the worship of one God, as 
revealed through The Holy Qu'ran.  It teaches the value and importance of 
charity, mercy, and peace.  And it is one of the fastest growing religions 
in America, with millions of American believers today.

The American Muslim community is as varied as the many Muslim communities 
across the world.   Muslims from diverse backgrounds pray together in mosques 
all across our great land.  And American Muslims serve in every walk of life, 
including our armed forces.

The Holy Qu'ran says: "Piety does not lie in turning your face to the East 
or West. Piety lies in believing in God." (2:177).  Americans now have turned 
to acts of charity, sending relief to the Afghan people, who have suffered 
for so many years.  America is proud to play a leading role in the
humanitarian 
relief efforts in Afghanistan, through airdrops and truck convoys of food, 
medicine, and other much-needed supplies.  And today we are committed to 
working for the long-term reconstruction of that troubled land.

We send our sincerest wishes to Muslims in America and around the world for 
health, prosperity, and happiness during Ramadan and throughout the coming 
year.