President Trump Wishes Muslims A 'Joyful Ramadan'

WASHINGTON, DC — President Trump gave his best wishes to the Islamic world Friday in honor of the start of Ramadan. The holy ninth month of Islam is traditionally observed by fasting. Ramadan will conclude on Saturday, June 24.

"On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan," Trump said in a statement. "During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities. 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."

The statement also notes the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and Egypt.

"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," he said. "Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology."

He also repeated a claim he has made in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: "America will always stand with our partners against 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."

On Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the president's executive order banning immigration from six Muslim-majority countries. In the ruling, the judges argued that the context of the order, including the president and his staff's previous public statements, show that the order was derived with discriminatory intent toward Muslims. Friday's statement on Ramadan may show that the administration is learning the importance of public comments and gestures of good faith to Islamic communities.

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