US President Donald Trump wished Muslims “ a
joyful Ramadan , ” on Friday, urging them to use
the holy month to reject violence by Islamist
extremists .
“ On behalf of the American people , I would like
to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan , ” said
Trump , who is winding up a first overseas trip
as president that included a stop in Saudi
Arabia .
Donald Trump
“ This year , the holiday begins as the world
mourns the innocent victims of barbaric
terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and
Egypt , acts of depravity that are directly
contrary to the spirit of Ramadan , ” said the US
leader , who campaigned last year on a pledge
to ban Muslims from entering the United States .
“ Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the
terrorists and their perverted ideology, ” he said
in his message to the world ’ s estimated 1 . 6
billion Muslims .
Trump said that when he met dozens of leaders
of Muslim countries in the Saudi capital Riyadh ,
he had vowed to stand with them to counter
“ terrorism and the ideology that fuels it . ”
“ During this month of Ramadan , let us be
resolved to spare no measure so that we may
ensure that future generations will be free of
this scourge and able to worship and commune
in peace , ” said Trump , whose revised travel
ban on half a dozen Muslim – majority countries
was once again rejected by a US court this week
on grounds of religious discrimination.
“ At its core , the spirit of Ramadan strengthens
awareness of our shared obligation to reject
violence , to pursue peace , and to give to those
in need who are suffering from poverty or
conflict , ” he said .
During Ramadan , Muslims around the world
abstain from eating , drinking , smoking and
having S3x from dawn to dusk . The month is
sacred to Muslims because tradition says it
marks the period when the Koran was revealed
to the Prophet Mohammed .
The presidential statement concluded by saying ,
“ I extend my best wishes to Muslims
everywhere for a blessed month as you observe
the Ramadan traditions of charity , fasting , and
prayer. May God bless you and your families. ”
