    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [January 19, 1999]
    [Page 60]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Id al-Fitr
    January 19, 1999

        Warm greetings to Muslims across America and around the world as you
    mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate the festival of
    Id al-Fitr.
        The month of fasting that you have just completed demands discipline
    and a spirit of sacrifice. But it also delivers a profound reward: the
    opportunity to show people of every faith what is precious about Islam--
    its charity, its generosity, and its essential humanity. All people in
    the world are moved by your observance of Ramadan and by the devotion
    and dignity that make Islam one of the world's great religions.
        As you welcome the appearance of the new moon and the close of
    Ramadan, Hillary joins me in extending best wishes for a memorable
    celebration and for peace, health, and prosperity in the year to come.

                                                                Bill Clinton