Tag Archives: muslim festival

White House Not to Host Ramadan Dinner, Just Sends Out ‘Eid Mubarak’ Greetings

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As announced earlier, the US White House under President donald Trump has decided to skip the dinner hosted on the occasion for Muslims in the country and instead sent out ‘Eid Mubarak’ greetings in a statement, ending a two-decade-old tradition.

First time the Iftar party in the White House was hosted on December 9, 1805 by the then US President Thomas Jefferson coinciding with the presence of Tunisian envoy to the United States, Sidi Soliman Mellimelli, who had just arrived in the country and even the timing of usual dinners at White House was changed to evening as Muslims fast during the day.

Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and Muslims around the world will mark the end of the holy month by celebrating the holiday Eid al-Fitr, which falls on Saturday or Monday this year depending on moon-sighting in several regions of the world.

But breaking with the tradition of holding an evening Iftaar Party that was religiously followed by his predecessors Clinton, Bush and Obama, President Donald Trump has decided to give it a miss though citing lack of time to plan for it well in advance.

Instead a White House release from Trump and the first lady said:

“Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity… Now, as they commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of helping neighbors and breaking bread with people from all walks of life. During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion, and goodwill. With Muslims around the world, the United States renews our commitment to honor these values. Eid Mubarak.”

Rumana Ahmed, who had organised White House Iftar dinners during the Obama administration, told the Washington Post that the break from tradition was unfortunate. She recalled how the dinner changed over the years and included honoring Muslim American youth and recognizing their economic contributions.

“If you look at when it started and how it’s evolved, in a way it’s kind of been in response to conversations happening on a national level and in our society,” said Rumana Ahmed.

President Greets on Idu’l Fitr as Prayers, Celebrations Mark Ramzan

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The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Idu’l Fitr, known as Ramzan, which is being celebrated on Monday, June 26, 2017 in India.

In his message the President said, “On the auspicious occasion of Idu’l Fitr, I extend greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens, particularly my Muslim brothers and sisters, in India and abroad. May this joyous occasion, which marks the culmination of the period of fasting and prayer during the Holy month of Ramzan, bring happiness, peace and prosperity and be an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to serve humanity.

May this day, strengthen in each one of us, an unflinching faith in our unity and common destiny that has characterised our composite culture over the ages,” he said.

Earlier, the moon-sighting committee in Nashik announced that the moon has been sighted in most parts of the country, hence, Ramzan can be celebrated on Monday, clearing the confusion on the exact day of celebrations.

Though a cloudy weather deterred sighting of the moon in Nashik, in several part of India it was reported positively by local clerics. “The holy month of Ramzan was celebrated with devotion. Now, it is time for Eid. The Eid-Al-Fitr special prayers will be held at Shahajahani Eidgah ground on Monday,” said maulana Abdul Muktadir Rashidi, Imam of Khadkali Masjid in Old Nashik.

The clerics in Malegaon, Jalgaon and Dhule districts too announced the sighting of the moon on Sunday night and announcing that Eid will be celebrated today.

As mass prayers mark the end of Ramzan, fast-observing month of Muslims, Mumbai police and all city security agencies hyave beefed up security around mosques to avoid any untoward incidents. Several mosques and houses have begun celebrations with illuminated lighting on Sunday and many shops have reported brisk business on Sunday in view of Eid festival shopping.