    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 15, 2001]
    [Page 1419]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Ramadan
    November 15, 2001

        As the new moon signals the holy month of Ramadan, I extend warm
    greetings to Muslims throughout the United States and around the world.
    The Islam that we know is a faith devoted to the worship of one God, as
    revealed through The Holy Qu'ran. It teaches the value and importance of
    charity, mercy, and peace. And it is one of the fastest growing
    religions in America, with millions of American believers today.
        The American Muslim community is as varied as the many Muslim
    communities across the world. Muslims from diverse backgrounds pray
    together in mosques all across our great land. And American Muslims
    serve in every walk of life, including our armed forces.
        The Holy Qu'ran says: ``Piety does not lie in turning your face to
    the East or West. Piety lies in believing in God.'' (2:177). Americans
    now have turned to acts of charity, sending relief to the Afghan people,
    who have suffered for so many years. America is proud to play a leading
    role in the humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan, through airdrops
    and truck convoys of food, medicine, and other much-needed supplies. And
    today we are committed to working for the long-term reconstruction of
    that troubled land.
        We send our sincerest wishes to Muslims in America and around the
    world for health, prosperity, and happiness during Ramadan and
    throughout the coming year.