    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 30, 1997]
    [Page 1827]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Ramadan
    December 30, 1997

        Warm greetings to everyone observing the holy month of Ramadan.
        For millions of Muslims across our nation and around the world,
    Ramadan marks the time when God revealed the Holy Quran to the Prophet
    Muhammad. During this sacred month, the ninth in the Islamic lunar
    calendar, devout Muslims concentrate on their faith, study the Quran,
    and discipline themselves through fasting between dawn and dusk. They
    seek to answer Islam's call to a life of piety, justice, and peace and
    to draw closer to God and to one another through many hours spent in
    prayer and contemplation.
        Ramadan is a powerful reminder to all of us that the true riches of
    life are found, not in material goods, but rather in the gifts of the
    spirit: the ever-present guidance and bountiful mercy of God, the love
    of family and friends, and the freedom to worship according to one's own
    conscience and convictions.
        As the crescent moon once again heralds the coming of this season of
    faith and spiritual renewal, Hillary and I extend best wishes for a
    memorable observance.

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    December 31.