Washington, September 03: US President Barack Obama hosted a White House iftar to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, but while he used the event to praise US Muslims’ contributions to the society, the absence of community leaders was sorely noted, reported.
“Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect,” Obama told the gathering at the interfaith iftar held in the State Dining Room.
“That is central to the new beginning that I’ve sought between the United States and Muslims around the world, and that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season.”
In his remarks welcoming his guests, who joined Cabinet secretaries, lawmakers, ambassadors and representatives of the US Muslim society, Obama paid tribute to Islam as “a great religion”
White House iftar dinners marking the holy fasting month are nothing new. During his eight years in office, former President George W. Bush held a yearly iftar.
But Obama said that by extending the presidential tradition, he hopes pushing forward his outreach to the Muslim world and showcasing cultural understanding.
“Islam as we know is part of America,” he said.
“Tonight’s Iftar is a ritual that is being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states.”
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Most dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through self-restraint, good deeds and prayer.
The United States is home to from 6-7 million Muslims.
Absent Muslims
Obama used the White House Ramadan iftar to honor and showcase American Muslims’ contributions to the nation’s culture.
“On this occasion, we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture in ways both large and small,” he said.
Obama added that “the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity.”
But while the words of praise flowed, absence of Muslim community leaders was sorely noted during the event.
Leaders from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest grassroots American Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, did not attend the Ramadan iftar for not receiving invitations.
CAIR is not alone Other Muslim organizations were also not invited to the White House iftar.
Surprising, while Muslim leaders were absent, Israel’s ambassador in Washington and a group of Jewish rabbis were among the guests.
Muslim leaders warned that not inviting them signals a continuation of the policies of former president George W. Bush, who used to shun many Muslim groups.
They lamented that while Obama has repeatedly pledged engaging with US Muslims and the wider Muslim world, his vows remain yet unfulfilled.
He has not so far met with the Muslim leaders to hear from them and address the minority’s concerns.
“We fear that this marks a repetition of George Bush’s policies of disengagement with our community,” Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR, told.
“If the same approach towards out community persisted, I am afraid there will be no hope for change.”
-Agencies