Speeches

Ambassador John Price's Remarks on the occasion of the Iftaar Dinner Macarty House

October 28, 2004

His excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Raouf Bundhun,
Her excellency, the Ambassador of Egypt, Mrs. Magda Hosni Nasr, 
His excellency, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr. Syed Hasan Javed, 
Honored guests and Embassy staff,

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to Macarty House for Mahgrib prayers and to join me for this Iftaar dinner, marking the end of another day of observance for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims throughout the world reaffirm their piety and commitment to their faith.  Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.  It is not just a time for fasting. It is a time for giving to those less fortunate and for reflecting on the meaning of God in one's daily life. And it is a time for practicing kindness toward others.  

These are virtues that Muslims share with people of all faiths. Prayer, personal reflection, doing good for others: these are beliefs that unite people of faith all over the world.  In these difficult times, we are all called upon to consider the deeper meaning of our humanity and our relationship to our faith.

In his Ramadan message this year, President Bush said,  "I send warm greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world as they begin observance of Ramadan, the holiest season in their faith.  "Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammed.  By teaching the importance of compassion, justice, mercy, and peace, the Qur'an has guided many millions of believers across the centuries. Today, this holy time is still set aside for Muslims to remember their dependence on God through fasting and prayer, and to show charity to those in need.  "American history has taught us to welcome the contributions of men and women of all faiths, for we share the fundamental values of religious freedom, love of family, and gratitude to God. Americans who practice the Islamic faith enrich our society and help our Nation build a better future."

"Laura joins me in sending our best wishes.”

Signed: GEORGE W. BUSH  

In this solemn season, as Muslims around the world gather together to follow the precepts of their faith, we all share in that commitment to our own faiths. Just as Ramadan provides a means for coming closer to God, we can all strive to be closer to our faiths through prayer and good deeds.

The support of human rights, tolerance, and dignity for all is critical for the future of our world. This is the cause that people of all faiths – Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Hindus alike, should reflect upon as we gather with family and friends, according to each of our own holiday traditions. This evening, let us all focus on that hope for the future: a future that marks the freedom of all, with an end to intolerance and brutality

Thank you for joining me this evening.  I would like now to call on His Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Raouf Bundhun, to say a few words:  Your Excellency.