[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 46 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Pages 1679-1680]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 1680]]

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.