Obama's special Ramadan message to Muslim world

Ramadan, as everyone knows, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time to practice patience and modesty, pray extra and refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn until sunset.

Today, President Obama, the son of a Muslim, who's going on vacation, issued a special Ramadan message to the Muslim world. Before leaving, the Democrat also issued one of those public relations presidential proclamations marking a special occasion of some sort, in this case the 50th anniversary of Hawaii joining the United States ohana, which, the president who grew up there says, means family.

Not the best timing from a strategic Western PR standpoint, as the released Lockerbie bomber arrives back in Libya to a hero's welcome.

But here in full is Obama's Ramadan message, as provided by the White House:

-- Andrew Malcolm

On behalf of the American people – including Muslim communities in all 50 states – I want to extend best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.

Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning with a simple word – iqra. It is therefore a time when Muslims reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God.

Like many people of different faiths who have known Ramadan through our communities and families, I know this to be a festive time – a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared.  But I....

...also know that Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform tarawih prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month.

These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings.

For instance, fasting is a concept shared by many faiths – including my own Christian faith – as a way to bring people closer to God, and to those among us who cannot take their next meal for granted. And the support that Muslims provide to others recalls our responsibility to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere. For all of us must remember that the world we want to build – and the changes that we want to make – must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.

This summer, people across America have served in their communities – educating children, caring for the sick, and extending a hand to those who have fallen on hard times. Faith-based organizations, including many Islamic organizations, have been at the forefront in participating in this summer of service. And in these challenging times, this is a spirit of responsibility that we must sustain in the months and years to come.

Beyond America’s borders, we are also committed to keeping our responsibility to build a world that is more peaceful and secure.  That is why we are responsibly ending the war in Iraq. That is why we are isolating violent extremists while empowering the people in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan.

That is why we are unyielding in our support for a two-state solution that recognizes the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. And that is why America will always stand for the universal rights of all people to speak their mind, practice their religion, contribute fully to society and have confidence in the rule of law.

All of these efforts are a part of America’s commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect. And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world.

As I said in Cairo, this new beginning must be borne out in a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another, and to seek common ground. I believe an important part of this is listening, and in the last two months, American embassies around the world have reached out not just to governments, but directly to people in Muslim-majority countries.  From around the world, we have received an outpouring of feedback about how America can be a partner on behalf of peoples’ aspirations.

We have listened. We have heard you. And like you, we are focused on pursuing concrete actions that will make a difference over time – both in terms of the political and security issues that I have discussed, and in the areas that you have told us will make the most difference in peoples’ lives.

These consultations are helping us implement the partnerships that I called for in Cairo – to expand education exchange programs; to foster entrepreneurship and create jobs; and to increase collaboration on science and technology, while supporting literacy and vocational learning.

We are also moving forward in partnering with the OIC and OIC member states to eradicate polio, while working closely with the international community to confront common health challenges like H1N1 – which I know is of particular to concern to many Muslims preparing for the upcoming hajj.

All of these efforts are aimed at advancing our common aspirations – to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. It will take time and patient effort. We cannot change things over night, but we can honestly resolve to do what must be done, while setting off in a new direction – toward the destination that we seek for ourselves, and for our children. That is the journey that we must travel together.

I look forward to continuing this critically important dialogue and turning it into action. And today, I want to join with the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world – and your families and friends – in welcoming the beginning of Ramadan, and wishing you a blessed month. May God’s peace be upon you.    ###

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Photo: Associated Press

Comments

[Infidels are Cool]

It's good to know that Obama doesn't see anything wrong with Islam even though some of the worst human rights situations in the world involve Muslims being in charge. Obama's basically telling the Muslim world that he excuses the abhorrent atrocities that radical Islam has over it's own people and it's own culture. In short, he's legitimizing the illegitimate plight of millions of radical Muslims around the globe who, in a second, would rejoice at the destruction of Israel, the downfall of the Great Satan (America) as well as the Islamic takeover of European societies.

[Pocahontas]

I thank the President of the United States for acknowledging and speaking Allah's speed, blessings, prosperity, love, security and strength during this month of fasting, prayer, and praises to the Almighty Allah! May we all help, love, encourage and support one another always!

[abdifatah abdi]

this is a good massage and we say thanks as muslims

[Dan]

Yeah, Muslims have such a "peaceful" religion. That's why gays are routinely executed and women are forced to cover their bodies and faces, are stoned to death and cannot drive in certain Muslim cultures. Beautiful. If Obama keeps this up, we really are looking at a one term president. And I'm a Democrat who voted for him!

[N Waff]

(after Obama ignored the United States National Day of Prayer)
==========­==========­=====
=
= IN HIS OWN WORDS, OBAMA IS HIS OWN GOD
=
==========­==========­====
Obama represents individuals who consider themselves "god" which is the position Obama made clear in his interview when he said :

* Obama defines how he will enter into heaven as "if I live my life as well as I can, that I will be rewarded"

* Obama defines sin as "Being out of alignment with my values"

* And, for Obama, sinning is "if I'm true to myself and my faith that that is its own reward, when I'm not true to it, it's its own punishment."

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/386118.aspx

When it comes to Obama's "christianity" he fits the description provided by the apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy. Paul says "men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Obama's position on abortion, homosexuality and other issues (and his own mocking of the Bible), fits the description. And Pauls calls these people "evil men and impostors."

Spurgeon wrote "It were a sad dishonour to a child of God to be the world's favourite. It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout 'Well done' to the Christian man."

[Syed Haider Abbas]

President Obama always shows very faithful comment for Muslim World but he should be no the problems of Muslim world. Being a Pakistani i realize that we give alot of victims for Terrorism but no benefits for us. in fact if any Pakistani visit special in US he or she shufferd from US police specially. we also need freedom to visit all over the world freely. I request president Obama that notice it because few number of people don't means whole community involved. president Obama moto is CHANGE
so it should be CHANGE not for american but Globally

[Dee]

Just after a muslim terrorist is released to a joyful, jubilant homecoming in Libya, our president intones a lecture on Ramadan, peace and how we should all play nicely in our global school yard. Someone needs to disconnect Teleprompter.

[samoora , Iraq]

I wish that Obama can open the world's minds a little about islam, although we dont diserve it.
Islam IS peaceful, but muslims always fail to represent that figur by thier horribol actions.
Thanks Mr.Obama and every one
Ramadan Kareem

[Daud]

Wonderful message. I love our president, Mr.Barak Obama.

[Daud]

I just read some negative comments both about the President and the Muslims. The comments you made about Muslims, represent your lack of knowledge about Islam. Don't judge a nation as a whole because of its few hypocrites.
Let me tell you that, a true Muslim is never a terrorist. And a terrorist, who kills other innucent human being/s unjustly, using the name of Jihad, is never a Muslim! These devils practice such acts of terrorism for nothing but personal gains.
Regarding your comment about the President, I do believe he is a wonderful and a thruthful person. I can understand your bitter feelings about the so called 'radicals of Islam' but what makes you be so unappreciative of our President?

[vizavis]

"...what makes you be so unappreciative of our President?"

I appreciate our president for his ability to elude the constitutional requirement to prove he is eligible to be an American president. How can it be that we have allowed this? 250 million people didn't notice! That's pretty clever.
I appreciate the way he disinfranchised his previous pastor of 20 years. Did he fall asleep in church every Sunday? That's cool!
I appreciate the way he has sold our children's future for a "quickie" useless economic package. Now that makes perfect sense for those who hate their children. How'd he do that??
I appreciated the way he summons up the courage to prostrate him before the people who, if they could, would behead us, butcher our children and remove all trace of our very existence. How does he do it??
This man's "journey" isn't one I want to be on. Only a fool would follow him to the slaughter.

[aijaz ilmi]

obama is the one who can heal the wounds inflicted by american foriegn policy under bush.
wish him all the best
may we all see reason in living peacefully with each other
its time we,muslims responded too.
dr aijaz ilmi

[Saleem looji]

Just wish more people like President Obama, in both Muslim and Christian community and in every religion. Messages of hatred and anger solves nothing,
whereas messages of justice, peace, love and willingness to help, at least creates a better understanding, thereby encouraging a better environement where every one hopes to be treated equally and justly. Thank you , President.

[Saleem Looji]

Just wish more people like President Obama, in both Muslim and Christian community and in every religion. Messages of hatred and anger solves nothing,
whereas messages of justice, peace, love and willingness to help, at least creates a better understanding, thereby encouraging a better environment where every one hopes to be treated equally and justly. Thank you , President.

[ali ahmed]

i am very pleased with president's Obama gesture towards the Muslim world on this holy month of Ramadan. As an American Muslim living in America, our great president finally made me feel that i am a part of this great nation of America that respects and celebrate all religions. May god bless America and our president in this holy month.

[.B.A.Chowdhury.]

Dear Readers,
President Obama is an Erudite person having indepth knowledge of Islam.
Fasting is not an innovation. Fasting (Ramzan) was prescribed to Prophet Adam & all 124,000 Prophets sent in to this world. Fasting was prescribed to Prophet Moses & Prophet Jesus( Read about the true story of Holy words of Jesus depicted in the Gospel of ST,Barnabas, a true disciple of Prophet Jesus)Moses fasted for 40 days & Jesus fasted for 30 days as Muslims do.
Islam is not a new name .People who believed in the unity of ALMIGHTY GOD ,is a Muslim.
People who terrorise innocent people cannot be named as Muslims. We all very well know many non Muslims using terrorists technique defaming Islam.
Holy Prophet Mohammed was a Peaceful Prophet. He shared His first Mosque with Christian Visitors in Medina.
He was sent as a blessing to mankind.Islam propagate killing an innocent person is like killing all humanity.
All honest Muslims segregate themselves from evil doers.
All honest Muslims want to share goodwill with both west & east. Love for all hate towards none
But we must stay away who do wrong against the teaching of Holy Tora ,Holy Bible ,Holy Psalm & against Holy Quran. We beileve in All Scriptures in original forms until man had changed the Words of Almighty GOD.
Holy Jesus spoke the truth thats why Jews High Priests became His fierce enemy:He spoke against the Priests who changed the Mosaic Law.He told the it was Prophet Ishmael
first son of Prophet Abraham. He told them the advent of Comforter by name" Mohammed (MSAS).Thats why they wanted to crucify holy Jesus. But Almighty god turned(enemy of Jesus) Judas face in to Jesus ,Took Holy Jesus away bodily & he will return.
Read the true Gospel of ST Barnabas.
I conclude herewith wishing every reader with best wishes!
Thank you.

[Lucille Quick]

Astafghirulla at some people who are clearly uneducated or who have closed minds , May Allah swt forgive you all!
I am a Muslim woman and I am alive today because my creator the creator of us ALL , Allah gave me another chAnce ... 2 weeks agao i had 2 heart attacks in 1 week , not very fun and 1 was caused by wrong medication on the part of my dr..
THE point I am trying to make is i see the world differently now and there is no time for hate and negative remarks..Grow up! educate yourselves and show respect for Our president whom I feel is doing his best and at least he's trying..He had ALOT OF CRAP from BUSH to clean up after all...btw I am female and a hijab is my covering IF I CHOOSE to wear it ..thats between me and My creator..I AM allowed to drive , read and may even lead prayers..once again EDUCATE yourselves..dont believe all the media says either..there are radicals in ALL faiths after all Tim Mcveigh was a claimed Christian and i dont consider what HE did to be very Christ-like ..do you?

THERE is no COMPULSION in religion...I PRAY BECAUSE i CHOOSE TO AND IT IS RECQUIRED TO GET CLOSER TO GOD AND THERE IS nothing i WANT MORE..i DONT HAVE TO FAST CAUSE I AM STILL SICK AND RECOVERING..SO MAYBE YOU ALL NEED TO read up on how MERCIFUL ALLAH REALLY IS!! ALLLAH AKBAR AND RAMADHAN KAREEM!

[pilgrim1776]

Never in the history of this once great Republic has a president ever made any statement other than the usa is a christian nation that recognizes other religions; but that is as far as it (should) goes. This nation is now some decrepit form of socialist/communist government that is staffed by like forms like Pilosi, Kennedy, Baxter, Reid, Frank and all the rest of those that desire to destroy what was established as the greatest experiment in human freedom. As the satirical book, Animal Farm, showed, it is all over but the full admission.
The people, the masses-r-asses, have been so dumbed-down by the government schools - and the "other" schools, and the totally, controlled media, that it is already toooo late!

[Asad]

Following all the comments I would request you all to READ, READ and READ with an open mind without any prejudice....it will help us to pick the core message of Islam, 'peace'....

[RevK]

By their fruits you shall know them.

[The Infidel Alliance]

If "Holy Prophet Mohammed was a Peaceful Prophet" and "a true Muslim is never a terrorist", why then did Allah's Apostle (Muhammed) say "I have been made victorious with terror" Bukhari (52:220)?

The truth that Islamists and Islamist sympathyzers like Obama refuse to face is that Muhammed was in truth a sadistic sociopath, a murderer, a slaver, a decapitator, a mutilator, an amputator, a torturer, a human trafficker, a looter & a thief, a rapist, a sex trafficker, a liar, a sexual deviant, a paedophile rapist, and a genocidist motivated by unquenchable greed, power & lust.

This can all be found in black & white in the Koran, Ahadith and Sira, and Muslims know it.

Muhammed was perhaps one of the most vile men who ever lived, a man who represents the absolute worst in humanity, a man who violated every standard of human decency.

How could anyone respect this barbarian? As a man so directly responsible for immeasurable human suffering and death, Muhammed should be reviled, not revered. He should have been incarcerated, not venerated.

~ The Infidel Alliance

[AMEER BASHA]

may allah bless you and every human on this earth.thanks a lot mr.barack obama from all muslims of the world.

[Imran]

Allah Kareem

[The Anti Infidel Alliance]

To defame an ordinary man without evidence is grounds for a law suit in today's terms. The overwhelming evidence from "Koran, Ahadith and Sira" is in direct contradiction to what was ascribed to Prohphet Mohamed, peace and prayers be upon him. However, this is not the place or medium to defend Mohamed. Many websites have already taken on that task, and they'er just a quick search away.
I ask anyone willing to defame another to see that s/he will be held accountable before hir/his "just" Lord on the final day. Woe to them if they cannot support their case, right there and then. As for earthly remedies, I shall leave that to Almighty's old and proven wisdom. A wisdom that allowed Pharaoh to slaughter 1000 sons of Israel, only to save, nuorish, and nurture Moses in Pharaoh's own home; his worst enemy and demolisher.

Mr. President, thank you for your message. Ramdan Kareem to you too.

[Anthony Fuludu]

Well said, am of the opinion that Religions should leave at peace with each other, but my opinion is based on my understanding of the world, nevertheless, whoever want trouble or want to share blood will find it way around that.
Obama may be a nice person to the Islamic World, it really an opportunity for the islamic to change it ways, before it becomes the turn of the Christians to art like them, because what goes around comes around. Brothers no time to waist change has to be today.