奧巴馬總統開齋節賀詞

總統致開齋節賀詞

我和米歇爾向美國及全世界歡度開齋節(eid-ul-fitr)的穆斯林致以最熱切的問候。穆斯林在萊麥丹(ramadan)齋月結束之際，謹記這是進行心靈反思、共建社區及援助需要幫助的人的日子。開齋節標誌着萊麥丹齋月的結束，但也標誌着每個人新的起點——這是一個進行歡慶並表達感激之情的節日。

對於千百萬穆斯林而言，開齋節清晨的宣禮聲在全球各地的城鎮中迴響。千百萬民衆前往當地的清真寺參加開齋節特別禮拜，隨後集體歡慶節日、交換禮物並同親朋好友和鄰里一起聚餐。 我們在世界各地看到的生動景象所展現的多元化傳統體現了開齋節的精神和節日氣氛——排隊參加禮拜的人羣中色彩鮮豔的衣裙或白色服飾，照亮集市和街巷的彩燈和彩飾，用海娜粉在年輕女孩和婦女的手上繪出的精美圖案，以及豐盛的美味佳餚和香氣撲鼻的美食。

在全美各地的美國穆斯林歡慶開齋節之際，這個節日提醒每個美國人謹記尊重持一切信仰和信念的人的重要意義。在過去一年中，紐約市公立學校系統宣佈將開齋節列入學校正式日程安排，與聖誕節、光明節(hanukkah)和其他節日一樣，這是對增強我國豐富性的極大的多元化和包容性的一種肯定。 在今年的白宮開齋晚宴(white house iftar)上，我有機會與激勵他人的年輕美國穆斯林見面，他們正在主導在多元化的社區間增進理解和團結的努力。在開齋晚宴之後，出席晚宴的一位年輕人幫助率先發起了一項努力，爲在南卡羅來納州查爾斯頓(charleston, south carolina)的非洲裔循道聖公會以馬內利堂(emanuel ame church)槍擊事件發生後被燒燬的教堂籌集了超過7萬5千美元。持各種信仰和信念的美國民衆必須肩並肩地捍衛我們的民主並使我們整個國家更加強大。

我和米歇爾希望今天給你們在美國及全世界的所有人的家庭帶來歡樂。我代表我們全家祝你們節日吉祥歡樂(eid mubarak)!

obama extends warm wishes to muslims on eid-ul-fitr

the white house

office of the press secretary

july 16, XX

statement by the president on the occasion of eid-ul-fitr

michelle and i would like to extend our warmest wishes to muslims in the united states and around the world celebrating eid-ul-fitr. as muslims mark the end of the month, they are reminded that ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need. while eid marks the end of ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday.

for millions of muslims, the morning of eid is marked with the call to prayer echoing through cities and towns across the globe. millions of people head to local mosques for special eid prayers followed by festive gatherings, gift exchanges, and feasts among friends, neighbors and families. the diversity of traditions paint the vibrant images we see from around the world capturing the spirit and excitement of eid – colorful dresses or white garments decorating the masses of people standing in lines for prayer, lanterns and ornaments lighting up bazaars and neighborhoods, intricate henna designs painted on hands of young girls and women, and an abundance of delectable foods and aromatic cuisines.

as muslim americans celebrate eid across america, the holiday is a reminder to every american of the importance of respecting those of all faiths and beliefs. this past year new york city public schools announced adding eid to their official school calendars alongside christmas, hanukkah and other holidays – an acknowledgement of the great diversity and inclusiveness that adds to the richness of our nation. during this year’s white house iftar, i had the opportunity to meet inspiring young muslim americans who are leading efforts for greater understanding and unity across diverse communities. following the iftar, one of the young attendees helped spearhead an effort that raised more than $75,000 for the churches burned in the wake of the shooting at emanuel ame church in charleston, south carolina. americans of all faiths and beliefs must stand together to protect our democracy and strengthen our country as a whole.

michelle and i hope today brings joy to all of your homes, both here in the u.s. and around the world. from my family to yours, eid mubarak!