In a message from the White House, President Obama says the beginning of Islam's holiest month is a time for him "to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world."
Using a few words of Arabic, the president pays respect to the ritual fasting and family gatherings that the world's 1.5 billion Muslims will observe this month:
These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam's role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
For instance, fasting is a concept shared by many faiths - including my own Christian faith - as a way to bring people closer to God, and to those among us who cannot take their next meal for granted. And the support that Muslims provide to others recalls our responsibility to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere. For all of us must remember that the world we want to build - and the changes that we want to make - must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.
You can watch the president deliver his statement here.
(Posted by Kathy Kiely)
David's journalism career spans three decades, including coverage of five presidential elections, the Oklahoma City bombing, the 2000 Florida presidential recount and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has covered the White House for USA TODAY since 2005. His interests include history, politics, books, movies and college football -- not necessarily in that order. More about David
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