Obama issues special Hajj message to world's Muslims

(UPDATE: A news video update on the Hajj has been added below.)

Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha, as provided by the White House
Michelle and I would like to send our best wishes to all those performing Hajj this year, and to Muslims in America and around the world who are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. The rituals of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha both serve as reminders of the shared Abrahamic roots of three of the world’s major religions.

During Hajj, the world’s largest and most diverse gathering, three million Muslims from all walks of life – including thousands of American Muslims – will stand in prayer on Mount Arafat. The following day, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and distribute food to the less fortunate to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son out of obedience to God.

This year, I am pleased that the Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the Saudi Health Ministry to prevent and limit the spread of H1N1 during Hajj. Cooperating on combating H1N1 is one of the ways we are implementing my administration's commitment to partnership in areas of mutual interest.

On behalf of the American people, we would like to extend our greetings during this Hajj season – Eid Mubarak.   ###

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Photo: Associated Press (Mecca)

Comments

[michael mcclintock]

no message to jews on high holy days, no message for christians on thanksgiving, an american president using muslim language for his greeting instead of english- would his jewish wishes be in hebrew? now we can wait for the christmas wishes that are likely to be mainly kwanzaa, instead; when will people wake up to the selective interests of this administration; they are so obvious- and the arrogance of expressing good will on behalf of us, when polls show more than half(of every measurable group except blacks are no under 50% approval

[zd14689]

First of all as a Cristian American, I have to applaud President Obama to send this wishes as he did. I don't know, if may of my fellow American Citizens even realize, the we as the USA have the third largest population of Muslims in the world. We are talking about US citizens. So if the President of the USA sends wishes to his fellow citizens that is ok by me. As Christians we will hear his wishes at Christmas and our Jewish citizens will hear their message at Hanukkah.

So what is so wrong with being a real President of all people in the US? Have we gotten so arrogant that only one religion is acceptable. Why have the Pilgrims left England to a new world? That is why we celebrate today "Thanks Giving" as a holiday with no religious attachment.

To all of those that need some enlightenment of why our president has sent his message, it is because he is a President of all and not just a selected group. 9/11 has nothing to do with this. Should our Native American citizens have the same feeling against all Christians that came, killed, destroyed, robbed them of their loved ones etc? Are they supposed to hate all the Christians for that? Yes if you like it or not, it is a fair comparison. Not all Muslims are Terrorists! Are all Christians Terrorists because of the Irish and their way of handling the issues in Ireland in the past? Are all the Christians bad because of the Crusades or the time of Inquisition?

It is time to look at the real issues and causes. Our President is doing that and leading by example! I am proud to have a President that is courageous to do the right thing and not just doing things to please one side or the other. Sometimes it is not about pleasing but doing the right thing.

Remember the Pilgrims on this Thanks Giving and their reasons to come to a new land and learn from them.

Happy Thanks Giving and thank you god for this president!

[Obama sucks]

Reaching out to other peoples is the way to heal division, but spending your country into the ground is the way to destroy your own people.

[David in Oly]

I am white, born an American, a devout Christian and love my country. I am ashamed of the hatred espoused by those who wish ill will toward our president and those of the Muslim faith. In your hearts there is wickedness and pride. Repent before your days on earth expire.

[Amazingoly]

Still trying to figure why Obama wasn't carving turkey for the troops. More photo-ops at West Point Tuesday, troops do not respect our president.

[Jens Andersen]

The most important thing a leader can do is to make everybody feel that they are equal partners, that are all appreciated, this will increase the willingness to contribute and take responsibility for the well being of the whole as well as the nextdoor neighbours......this is a very successfull way to combat extremism...its hard to look at a person as an enemy if hes extending his hand in friendship.

The world dont have time for these petty squabbles, there is more serious problems that need to be taken care off.

[Hallo]

Beautiful! Just good. Its time you do it, Americans

[Ed Cole]

Where was he on National Prayer Day...not praying in public with the American people. He should bring home the troops now...Christians know that GOD will protect his people, so Mr. President for the sake of Our Nation you better choose right.

[melissabee]

George Bush did not thrill me as our nation's leader but I do like to give credit where credit is due. He consistently stated that the "war on terror" was not a war on Islam. He was wise enough to see and brave enough to state this principal to the American people and the world over and over.

President Obama is wisely following in his footsteps.

[Salman]

It's really amazing guys. The last President did nothing but create an ocean fill with hate b/w two groups. This President is trying -however pretentious it maybe- to bridge the gap and you have nothing but vain, vile crap coming out of your mouths.
Learn to love and accept. Christians are responsible for raping the Indians, Africans, Native Americans, and the list goes on! Jews are subjugating a HUGE population of people to live in horrendous conditions, there's a blind eye to that.
But, when a 'terrorist attack' happens by supposed Muslims, kill em all!

BTW, 9/11 is a huge question mark, there's too many gaping holes in that cover-up.

[Salman]

It's really amazing guys. The last President did nothing but create an ocean fill with hate b/w two groups. This President is trying -however pretentious it maybe- to bridge the gap and you have nothing but vain, vile crap coming out of your mouths.
Learn to love and accept. Christians are responsible for raping the Indians, Africans, Native Americans, and the list goes on! Jews are subjugating a HUGE population of people to live in horrendous conditions, there's a blind eye to that.
But, when a 'terrorist attack' happens by supposed Muslims, kill em all!

BTW, 9/11 is a huge question mark, there's too many gaping holes in that cover-up.

[sms]

Glad our Coward-in-Chief has time for such sycophantic pandering to his faith. Maybe if he took a little less time dithering and reaching out to everyone but our own troops, he could make a decision about AFG. The Joker probably wrote this message while bowing down to the King. He's gotta go! Who is John Galt?

[Dr. Yusuf Al-Kindi]

How is Obama a creep? When Christmas comes, he will make a christmas statement. It is funny, but, today is NOT a Christian holiday.

Some of you folk are like that child, who when a sibling receives a birthday gift complains that they have gotten nothing. Giving wishes to the world's Christians does not make sense today, since it is a Muslim holiday. When Christmas and Easter arrives, I am sure Obama, who IS a Christian, will say something then.

[J.C.]

Really, does this come as a suprize to anyone? If so, you have been slumbering too long. Obama KNOWS he cannot bring PEACE to ISLAM! He is one! He knows what thier agenda is and supports it by making these speeches, belitteling our country and forefathers and religions. Are we REALLY going to allow this to continue? I sit back and watch him do this sort of thing time after time and what have we done about it? Sit there and watch him trash the best country on earth? Lead it to its demise?

He will never HAVE to run in 2012 and he knows it. Nobody will be running by then as he is going at breakneck speed to throw our country overboard, so he can remain the usuper, dictator that he already is. SHAMONE! Americans! Get up and take a stand for this country!

[omar]

3000 killed in 9/11 4000 in iraq 2000 in afghanistan (american)

but 1,000,000 yes one million killed in iraq (muslims)

who is the parparian?

[Jim]

"You know, some of the people who have commented already are really proving that "bitter, clinging to guns and religion" line that you so hated during the election. funny."

Yeah, the deliberate slaughter of 3,ooo of my countrymen does that. yeah funny.
Yup pilgrims, have a great holiday season and piss off.

[Paul]

Not all Americans. When the islam extremist want to see me and my fellow Americans dead, it's hard to believe your president says he's a Christian. I don't hate muslims, I pray for them. So why is YOUR president trying to "stuff" islam religion down our throats and doing everything possible to stifle the Christian religion?

Wake up America!! Another term of this, and we'll all be praying to their mohammed.

[Paul]

Don't worry about your comments. They won't be posted. Seems like obama's net police will not allow anything that does not further his cause. His cause? Destroy America.

[jvpski]

Please vote this fool out in 2012. I will then be proud of my country again!

[Paul]

If you like what obama did with our Thanksgiving holiday, wait till you see what he does to our Christmas holiday.

He loves America, yeah right! He loves the fools who blindly follow him while he attempts to set up his "ruler of the world" parade.

[Jim]

Obama is NOT an American.. Why should he say anything to the American people on any Holiday... This man is going to cause the 2nd coming of Christ.

Get ready people, the man is sick and does not care for America.....

[newrein]

I am sick and tired of this pandering to and lying about islam by Obama and the media. Neither of which knows anything about islam. The hajj is only 1/3 the size of the annual christian/catholic pilgramage every year to the catholic cathedral in Mexico. 6,000,000 christian/catholics show up every year. Why is this not reported every year. Is it because they do not murder people everyday in 28 countries around the world??? Including the US!!

[Bud]

Yep, Obama is definitely a Muslim.

[M. Jefferson]

UHH Remember all people?! I believe he did not even acknowledge or attend anything for the National Day of Prayer which is a Christian event. It seems he has a kindred spirit with the Muslims though!

[spiffy spiffjack, esq.]

november 2010: make BO a half term president. this guy is poison in the well of freedom.

[Eddie]

Never Forget 9/11 and what the MUSLIM TERRORISTS did to us. God bless the latest victims of MUSLIM TERRORISM, the Soldiers of Ft Hood.

[Jeanne]

Eid al-Adha... The holiday when animals are mistreated, then their throats are cut and they are allowed to bleed out into the streets, until they're dead. Yes, a lovely tradition that is still upheld (literally rather than symbolically). Just terrific. You can slaughter as many sheep as you want, but don't you dare say Merry Christmas.

[James]

Herman: Please speak for yourself. He does not have the respect from me nor the majority of the country with a 46% approval rating and dropping every week. This man is a disgrace to the position and is continuously compromising the security of this country. He can't even keep uninvited guests out of the white house.

[Deborah]

The idiot gets worse and worse. He (and his followers) should move from AMERICA if they don't want to be American. This is A CHRISTIAN NATION,,,,we have EASTER, we have THANKSGIVING where we thank GOD for all we have, we have CHRISTMAS,,( the ignorant, pay close attention here,,) "CHRIST"mas!!! Can you hear me now???!!! Or are you deaf and blind as well as STUPID!!!! If he wants to be so equal and benevolent,,the least he could do is give THIS country a "God Bless" . Bullshit and hot air,,,,THAT's our white house.

[AwesomeObama]

Obama DID send a message out for Thanksgiving too:

Oh, those blissful, pre-recessionary days. President Obama, continuing the practice of his predecessors, this week released his first Thanksgiving proclamation (see below).

We at The Ticket wish you the very best. Happy Thanksgiving.

-- Kate Linthicum
The full text of President Obama's Thanksgiving proclamation, as provided by the White House

What began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. This day's roots are intertwined with those of our nation, and its history traces the American narrative.
A Turkey

Today, we recall President George Washington, who proclaimed our first national day of public thanksgiving to be observed "by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God," and President Abraham Lincoln, who established our annual Thanksgiving Day to help mend a fractured nation in the midst of civil war.

We also recognize the contributions of Native Americans, who helped the early colonists survive their first harsh winter and continue to strengthen our nation. From our earliest days of independence, and in times of tragedy and triumph, Americans have come together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.

As we gather once again among loved ones, let us also reach out to our neighbors and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand. This is a time for us to renew our bonds with one another, and we can fulfill that commitment by serving our communities and our nation throughout the year. In doing so, we pay tribute to our country's men and women in uniform who set an example of service that inspires us all. Let us be guided by the legacy of those who have fought for the freedoms for which we give thanks, and be worthy heirs to the noble tradition of goodwill shown on this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 2009, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.

I encourage all the people of the United States to come together, whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place where family, friends and neighbors may gather, with gratitude for all we have received in the past year; to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own; and to share our bounty with others.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

/s/ BARACK OBAMA

[Paula Davis]

Another outrage to ruin a lovely day.

[maria]

Our great President Lincoln, during the Civil War, set aside the last Thursday in November as a Day of Thanksgiving to the God of the Bible. Contrast with President Obama's focus and remember to vote:

"No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy… I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens… announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord…It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people."

- Abraham Lincoln
November 26, 1863

[Jessica]

Wow.. I cant believe people are really this ignorant to say such things like "remembering Muslims and not Americans/Christians." Why don't yall embrace your fellow man in well wishing and stop the hate.
I am proud of my president.

[imran kapadia]

My brothers i am a muslim and like u i also condemn 9/11 incident. It was nt nice bt there r few black sheep bak der nd v hav 2 throw dam out of dis society nd teach dem a lesson bcuz wat dey r doing its nt Islam.

[Doug W.]

This is just what I'd expect from our first anti-American president. I can understand how some people were fooled at the election last year, but there's no excuse now - except blatant stupidity - for following this socialist fool over a cliff.

[drgarym]

Nice to be so Ecumenical. We Christians worship Jesus Christ who died on a cross, rose from the grave three days later and declared himself god. He is NOT the same God as Allah (God with a different name. They subjugate Jesus. We worship Him. That is why we Christians are apostates in the eyes of Islam).

dr gary

[Sandra]

I'm a Canadian, and I'm stunned that enough Americans were duped by this guy for him to get voted into office. He's not even eligible to be president!!! Obama actually instated an order to keep his birth certificate confidential - you'd have to be a real idiot to not know that he has something to hide. As if that's not enough, he's obviously a Muslim - you simply have to know his name to figure that one out. You morons who voted the guy in based on nothing but "yes, we can!" feel good rhetoric, with absolutely no substance or action to back it up have no one but yourselves to blame for this shameful, and ultimately debilitating debackle. If you haven't figured it out by now, it's not going to get any better from here...
Furthermore, if you claim to be a Christian and you voted for him, you ought to feel even dumber - you'll know them by 'their fruits' (actions), not by what they say. Jesus warned repeatedly of deception for this very reason - if you look at what Obama supports and what he does, he's clearly an enemy of the cross. Don't expect a Christmas greeting from Obama that includes any mention of Jesus! IT WON'T HAPPEN.

[TellTheTruthShameTheDevil]

You "so called" Christians are such despicable hypocrites. You talk about the love of God and your good christian morals. But you hate any and everyone that doesn't look like you. When Christ returns he surely will say to you haters " depart from me you workers of iniquity for I know you not." And tell the native American Happy Thanksgiving.

[M.H.M]

I would say to President Obama that instead of giving amessage to Muslims, Please stop the killings in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and recently Northern Yemen. Palestine is also suffering under the American backings for Isreal.
These nations are all Muslim, I guess.

[Sarah]

Mohammed, the founder of Islam, had the goal to forcibly convert anyone who was a nonmuslim if they did not willingly convert. He and his followers went from village to village with guns. If the villagers did not convert to Islam on the spot, they were all slaughtered.

The goal of Islam and every Muslim remains the same: If you (yes you) do not willingly convert to Islam then you must die.

[John Bibb]

***
NEWS FLASH--DEC. 25, 1941. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt sent a note to the Emperor of Japan today wishing him a happy Shinto holiday. No thank you note has been returned as of yet.
***
Rocketman
***

[tom]

Shouldn't this be referred to as 'the holiday'? You know, just how the fourth estate does to Christmas.

[Dianne4Dees]

Why don't the Obamas find a mosque and attend that so that it will be out in the open that he is a Muslim? No wonder he is taking up for the Ft. Hood muderer and no wonder he is pushing to have the muslim terrorists from Gitmo tried in civilian courts...............they'll all walk away scott free and in the meantime will u se these trials to spew their hatred for OUR country.

[June-stafford]

My prayer is our Heavenly father will get him and his family out of our white House, My God in all my years have never seen a devil like this. but guess what? in the end we will see who wins [our precious heavenly father] He will put the devil where he belongs [in Hell] thev reason he likes MUSLINS is because he is one [wake up AMERICA]

[academyofthesciences]

In a world full of too much hate this message strikes the right tone of inclusion that will foster amity when we need it the most. May we all follow this wise and gracious model of productive diplomacy by our president. And may we remember to honor the compassionate devotion of all faith traditions.

[Thou Shalt]

"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve." "Thou shalt have no other Gods before Me." America was not founded on freedom of religion. According to America's founding fathers it was founded on Christianity only. The founders would never have tolerated all these satanic, third world, false religions that cause foreigners to infiltrate us and murder our own soldiers at home. They never would have tolerated psychology, which originated in Russia to ruin the minds of the public with drugs and enslaving ideas which tolerate the twisted thinking of sex criminals to pervade counseling and public school curriculum while practicing the mental torture of its victims. Pavlov and Maslow are not American names.

[steve rodriguez]

Merry Christmas Barrack Obama!!!!

[steve rodriguez]

Just because he attends Rev. Wright's church doesn't mean he a Christian!
Rev. Wright preaches like a Muslim!

[steve rodriguez]

Why didn't Obama go on the Hajj?

[zd14689]

Thou Shalt
I don't know where your arrogance is coming from.

"that cause foreigners to infiltrate us" This country is based on foreigners coming to live here. The true American people are the Native Americans only. All the rest are people that came from all over the world to make this country. Remember, the Pilgrims came from England, and then there are the Germans, Dutch, Mexican, Russians, Israeli, Vietnamese, Japanese, and many other Nationalities that made in the past over 300 years (not just since we became an independent country) what and who we are today. So names are as unimportant as it can be. Your arrogance regarding names and religion reminds me of a time and a place that caused the greatest war in the world. You sound like a modern day Nazi just wrapped with an American Flag and a new idea of a world order.

I am a Christian American and I do not share your radical extreme culture of being a special race of people. Following this kind of idea will only bring us into WW III.

You are wrong if you say " America was not founded on freedom of religion"! We are founded on freedom of religion and it also is said that we do not mix government and religion. Read the constitution and the amendments to the constitution!

"Thou shalt have no other Gods before Me." If you are as intelligent and literate as you portrait your self, you will know, that the Jewish, Christian and Moslem religion pray to one and the same God! They do not pray to separate or different God's! They all believe in the 10 Commandments, Adam & Eve, Abraham, Moses, and much more. The Jewish people have only the Old Testament, The Christians the Old and New Testament and the Moslems the Old, New and a third book which all three together make the Koran. The moslems do not believe that Jesus is the son of God but he is a Prophet like Mohamed. The Jewish people are still waiting for the Messiah. You see, all three religions are so connected to each other that at the end they are still based on the same foundation of religion and pray to the same God. Just that like in many other languages, there are different way to say something. God in Spanish called differently than in English. Go into a Christian Church in the Middle East and they will also pray to Allah, as Allah is in Arabic the word for God!

So now what is a false Religion? They are all based on the same God! Oh, maybe the protestants in Ireland think that the Catholics have a false religion or is it the other way around?

I think you should go to church and ask god for forgiveness for all the hate you have against all of his children!

I don't agree what radical Moslems are doing, but I also do not agree with the same radicalism of Jewish, Christian, or people of other religions. That does not make all the people of a certain group bad people. Look not all Germans have been Nazi's during WW II. Would you classify all Germans as Nazi's? I don't think so! You might just be the foundation of radical Christians that will terrorize the world in the future.