President Trump’s Ramadan Message Focuses on Terrorism

President Donald Trump had a special message for American Muslims at the start of the month-long Islamic period of fasting known as Ramadan: do more to curb terrorism within your own ranks.

The message certainly broke with the tone of the messages conveyed by the president’s predecessor. But, it also continued the message he conveyed to the leaders of the Muslim world last week in Riyadh.

Here is the complete message:

On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan.

During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities. At its core, the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of our shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict.

This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology.

On my recent visit to Saudi Arabia, I had the honor of meeting with the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations. There, in the land of the two holiest sites in the Muslim world, we gathered to deliver together an emphatic message of partnership for the sake of peace, security, and prosperity for our countries and for the world.

I reiterate my message delivered in Riyadh:  America will always stand with our partners against terrorism and the ideology that fuels it. During this month of Ramadan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace.

I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a blessed month as you observe the Ramadan traditions of charity, fasting, and prayer. May God bless you and your families.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reinforced the president’s position by declining a request from the Department of State’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs to host an Eid al-Fitr reception, breaking with a nearly 20-year tradition that spanned Republican and Democratic administrations. Instead, he issued his own, much shorter, statement:

On behalf of the United States Department of State, Renda and I sincerely wish Muslims around the world a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month of reverence, generosity and self-reflection. Most importantly, it is a cherished time for family and friends to gather and give charity to those who are less fortunate. This time reminds us all of the common values of harmony and empathy we hold dear.

I wish all those celebrating a very happy Ramadan Kareem. {eoa}