Today, I am pleased to offer greetings to Muslims around the world.
Eid is a time of celebration - a time that fills all Muslims with joy at the service rendered to God during the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid is also a time of remembrance and thanksgiving. This year, let all of us - Muslim and non-Muslim alike - remember those around the world who live in a state of great want. Today, due to drought and dictatorship, many millions in Afghanistan are hungry and face the prospect of a harsh winter. Americans are proud to be working with many nations to provide food, medicine, and clothing to the people of Afghanistan. And America is determined to work in partnership with many nations to do more in the coming year to ease their suffering, and to help them reconstruct their nation.
The teachings of many faiths share much in common. And people of many faiths are united in our commitments to love our families, to protect our children, to help a neighbor in need, and to build a more peaceful world. We are thankful for the opportunities God gives us to fulfill our duties and realize our dreams. Let us resolve in the coming year to seize these opportunities in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. And together, let us remove the stains of hatred, intolerance, and terrorism from the civilization we share.
On behalf of all Americans, the First Lady and I wish Muslims around the world a joyous Eid, and peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Eid mubarak (a blessed Eid).