As millions of Muslims commenced the Ramadan fasting on Thursday, world leaders have felicitated with their communities and Muslims worldwide with warm messages in welcoming the holy month.
In the US, President Joe Biden issued a statement to welcome the holy month of Ramadan.
“Today, Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as they begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan—a time of fasting, renewal, charity, worship, and growth,” Biden said in a statement on The White House website.
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The US President added that the “reaffirms our support to Muslim communities suffering hardships and devastation” in Turkey, Syria, and Pakistan.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Turkey and Syria — who have lost many loved ones during the recent devastating earthquakes — and with the people of Pakistan, who are rebuilding their lives following last summer’s floods,” the Bidens said in a written statement.
He also expressed “solidarity” with China’s embattled Uighur minority.
“Together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression, including Uighurs in the People’s Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world,” Biden added.
“Today especially, we remember the universal human right to practice, pray, and preach our faiths peacefully and openly.”
For years, Chinese authorities have imposed restrictions on Uyghur Muslims in the north-western region of Xinjiang.
According to UN, more than one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in camps.
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More Ramadan Wishes
Canadian Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement on Wednesday to welcome the holy month.
“Ramadan falls during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, officially beginning and ending with the appearance of the crescent moon,” Trudeau said in a statement.
“This is a time of spiritual contemplation, fasting, prayer, and charitable giving for Muslims, who will gather with family and friends in the evening to break their day-long fast with iftar. The meal follows the sunset prayer and offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of compassion, gratitude, and generosity at the heart of Ramadan.
“As we mark the start of Ramadan, I join all Canadians in celebrating the ongoing contributions of Muslim communities to our vibrant and diverse national fabric,” he added.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in his own statement marking the start of Ramadan that many US embassies and consulates will host fast-breaking iftar meals “to share in the month’s beautiful traditions and demonstrate our commitment to promoting social cohesion, inclusion, and diversity within our communities.”
“We express deep appreciation for our longstanding partnerships with diverse communities across the Muslim world and remain committed to promoting religious freedom for all, both at home and abroad,” Blinken said.
Message of Peace
In another message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged people to work towards ‘peace, mutual respect, and solidarity’ in this holy month of Ramadan.
“This is a moment of reflection and learning. A time to come together in a spirit of understanding and compassion, bound by our common humanity,” he said in a statement.
“That is also the mission of the United Nations — to foster dialogue, unity and peace. I join everyone observing Ramadan to call for peace, mutual respect and solidarity. Let us take inspiration from this holy month and build a more just and equitable world for all.”
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar. It starts this year on Thursday, March 23.
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