    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [January 10, 1997]
    [Page 29]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Ramadan
    January 10, 1997

        Warm greetings to all those celebrating the sacred month of Ramadan.
        Each year during Ramadan, Muslims across America and around the
    world commemorate God's revelation of the Koran to Muhammad with a month
    of rigorous fasting and devout prayer. This period of discipline for
    body, mind, and spirit draws the Muslim community closer not only to
    God, but also to their fellow human beings.
        By experiencing hunger during Ramadan, the followers of Muhammad
    learn true compassion for the poor of the world who go hungry every day.
    By reflecting on God's teachings in the Koran, they learn humility and
    the beauty of forgiveness. And, by their example of devotion and self-
    discipline during Ramadan, Muslims remind us all that our true strength
    is derived, not from food and drink, but from closeness to God.
        As the crescent moon marks the beginning of Ramadan again this year,
    Hillary and I extend our best wishes for a holy and memorable
    observance.

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    January 11.