Rabat – U.S. President Obama and his wife extending warm wishes to “Muslims across our country and around the world who are celebrating Eid al-Adha.”
“This special holiday is a time to honor the sacrifice, resolve, and commitment to God demonstrated by Abraham,” remarked Obama.
“It marks the end of the pilgrimage of Hajj performed each year by millions of Muslims who journey from all corners of the world to Mecca as a testament to their faith. It is also a celebration of the ways faith can transcend any differences or boundaries and unite us under the banners of fellowship and love.”
“A celebration of the ways faith can transcend any differences or boundaries and unite us” —@POTUS on Eid al-Adha pic.twitter.com/5VNkYhPSxK
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 12, 2016
President Obama has greeted the Muslim world community from his first days in office.
In 2009, only a few months after his inauguration, Obama delivered a speech at Cairo University to set the tone for his policies towards the Middle East and his steps to mend U.S. relations with the Muslim world.
He spoke of “A New Beginning” despite criticism of his new policies in the U.S. Congress.
Each year, the U.S. President and his wife, Michelle, make it a point to break Iftar with U.S. Muslims in Washington. D.C.
At a news conference after the last Ramadan, Obama spoke of the struggle Muslims face as the number of attacks upon their communities have increased. He aslo acknowledged the massive death toll during Ramadan due to extremism directly mentioning the hundreds who had been killed in Orlando, Istanbul, Syria, Yemen, and other locations.
But he vowed that the struggle against terrorsm would continue.
“We will fight terrorism by working together, not by driving each other apart.”
During this time, Muslims from all walks of life join their neighbors and friends at their local mosques, community centers, and homes to pray, give alms, exchange gifts, and recommit to helping others. Food and money are distributed to those in need as men, women, and children reflect on their fortune and look towards the next year.
As we mark Eid al-Adha this year, we are reminded of the millions of refugees around the globe who are spending this sacred holiday separated from their families, unsure of their future, but still hoping for a brighter tomorrow. And as a Nation, we remain committed to welcoming the stranger with empathy and an open heart—from the refugee who flees war-torn lands to the immigrant who leaves home in search of a better life.
May the spirits of community, togetherness, principled service, and compassionate generosity bring good tidings to those celebrating Eid al-Adha. From our family to yours, Eid Mubarak.
