    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 28, 2003]
    [Pages 1407-1408]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Iftaar Dinner
    October 28, 2003

        Good evening. Ramadan Kareem. Welcome to the White House. I'm
    pleased to host all of you, our distinguished guests, during this
    blessed month of Ramadan.

    [[Page 1408]]

        For Muslims in America and around the world, this holy time is set
    aside for prayer and fasting. It is also a good time for people of all
    faiths to reflect on the values we hold common--love of family,
    gratitude to God, and a commitment to religious freedom. America is a
    land of many faiths, and we honor and welcome and value the Muslim
    faith.
        I appreciate Secretary Powell being here
    today, the great Secretary of State of America. There are members of my
    administration scattered amongst you, and I appreciate them coming. I
    particularly want to thank the Secretary of Energy, Spence
    Abraham, for being here as well.
        I appreciate Your Highness Sheik Hamdan bin Zayid, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State
    for Foreign Affairs for the United Arab Emirates, for coming. I want to
    thank all the Ambassadors who are here and representatives of the
    members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We're honored
    you're here tonight. I want to thank the American Muslim leaders who are
    here with us today. I appreciate my friends coming. I particularly want
    to thank Imam Faizul Khan, who will lead us in
    prayer.
        According to the teachings of Islam, Ramadan commemorates the
    revelation of God's word in the Holy Koran to the Prophet Mohammed. In
    this season, Muslims come together to remember their dependence on God
    and to show charity to their neighbors. Fasting during Ramadan helps
    Muslims focus on God's greatness, to grow in virtue, and cultivate
    compassion toward those who live in poverty and hunger.
        The charity, discipline, and sacrifice practiced during Ramadan in
    America makes America a better, more compassionate country. The family
    gatherings that break the fast at the end of each day enrich our
    communities. And the heartfelt prayers offered at this time of year are
    a blessing in many lives, and they're a blessing to our Nation.
        As we gather during this season, we are mindful of the struggles of
    the men and women around the world who long for the same peace and
    tolerance we enjoy here in America. Brave American and coalition troops
    are laboring every day to defend our liberty and to spread freedom and
    peace, particularly to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.
        The citizens of those countries have survived decades of tyranny and
    fear. Now, new leaders are emerging. They're emerging in Iraq in the
    form of medical workers and teachers and citizens of all backgrounds who
    are coming together to guide their country's future. They're moving
    toward self-government and practicing their faith as they see fit.
        We will continue to support the people of Iraq and Afghanistan as
    they build a more hopeful future. And we will not allow criminals or
    terrorists to stop the advance of freedom. Terrorists who use religion
    to justify the taking of innocent life have no home in any faith.
        As we defend liberty and justice abroad, we must always honor those
    values here at home. America rejects all forms of ethnic and religious
    bigotry. We welcome the values of every responsible citizen, no matter
    the land of their birth. And we will always protect the most basic human
    freedom, the freedom to worship God without fear.
        Islam is a religion that brings hope and comfort to good people
    across America and around the world. Tonight we honor the contributions
    of Muslims and the tradition of Islam by hosting this Iftaar dinner at
    the White House.
        I wish you all a very blessed Ramadan, and may God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:50 p.m. on the State Floor at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Imam Faizul Khan, Islamic Center
    of the Washington Area.