Marking Islam’s holiest month of Ramadan, US President Barack Obama hosted the seventh annual iftar dinner at the White House on Monday, June 22, to strengthen ties with the country’s Muslim community.

The holiday iftar “is also a reminder of the freedoms that bind us together as Americans, including the freedom of religion -- that inviolable right to practice our faiths freely,” Obama said during the dinner, Washington Post reported on Tuesday, June 23.

The White House iftar was attended by about 150 guests including several members of the diplomatic community, lawmakers and American Muslims.

US Rep. Keith Ellison of Minneapolis and the first female Somali-American police officer Kadra Mohamad were among the Muslim guests.

In remarks to dinner guests, Obama recounted the three Muslim victims of Chapel Hill shooting, saying "as Americans, we insist that nobody should be targeted because of who they are, or what they look like, who they love, how they worship."

Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23 his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21 and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, were found dead at a condominium complex off campus, earlier this year.

The president also paid tribute to Charleston church victim.

He said "our prayers remain in Charleston."

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.

"It’s a time of spiritual renewal and a reminder of one’s duty to our fellow man -- to serve one another and lift up the less fortunate," Obama said.

Religious Intolerance

Besides sending Ramadan greetings, Obama spoke out against religious prejudice.

"These are the freedoms and the ideals, and the values that we uphold," he said.

"And it’s more important than ever, because around the world and here at home, there are those who seek to divide us by religion or race or sect."

Since the 9/11 attacks, US Muslims, estimated between 6-8 million, have complained of discrimination and stereotypes in the society because of their Islamic attires or identities.

A US survey has revealed that the majority of Americans know very little about Muslims and their faith.

A Gallup poll also found that the majority of US Muslims are patriot and loyal to their country and are optimistic about their future.

An Economist/YouGov poll found that a large majority of Americans believe that US Muslims are victims of discrimination amid recent attacks against the community.

Meanwhile, Obama addressed the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and the plight of Burma Muslims.

"So tonight, we keep in our prayers those who are suffering around the world, including those marking Ramadan in areas of conflict and deprivation and hunger," he said, Voice of America reported.

“The people of Iraq and Syria as they push back on the barbarity of ISIL.  The people of Yemen and Libya, who are seeking an end to ongoing violence and instability.”

He went on saying: “Those fleeing war and hardship in boats across the Mediterranean.  The people of Gaza, still recovering from last year’s conflict.

“The Rohingya in Myanmar, including migrants at sea, whose human rights must be upheld.”

The White House iftar is a tradition that began annually under President Clinton and was continued by President George W. Bush.

This is the seventh iftar to be hosted by President Obama since he came to power in 2008.

https://islamstory.com/en/artical/19163/White-House-Host-Annual-Ramadan-Iftar