President Donald Trump has greeted Muslims at the start of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslim fast from pre-dawn to sunset and devote time to prayers.
In a White House message issued Thursday, Trump noted that the Muslims practices during the month that teach kindness, peace and love are aligned with universal prayers, and said the world has seen the power of prayers in challenging times.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also issued a message extending wishes to Muslims for a blessed holy month.
Across the Middle East and North America, Muslims will start fasting on Friday but they will complete rituals and say prayers at homes due to coronavirus pandemic.
Traditionally, Muslims assemble for larges congregational prayers in mosques during the hold month but now due to preventive measures like social distancing worshipers will perform the rituals at home.
Masjid alHaram in Mecca, the House of Allah Muhammad Mahdi Karim; edited by jjron / Wikimedia
Even Islam’s holiest mosques, Masjid Alharam in Makkah and Masjid e Nabvi in Madina are closed due to the outbreak.
Here is the president’s complete message as released by the White House:
“I wish all Muslims, both in the United States and across the world, a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.
“For millions around the globe, this holy month is an opportunity to renew and strengthen their faith through rigorous fasting, devout prayer, reflective meditation, reading the Quran, and charitable deeds. These acts are closely aligned with the universal values that the Islamic faith promotes—peace, kindness, and love and respect for others.
“Over the past months, we have seen how important the power of prayer can be during challenging times. Today, as the holy month of Ramadan commences, I pray that those who are observing this sacred time find comfort and reassurance in their faith.
Ramadan Mubarak.”
