Iftar dinner hosted by Trump at White House; thank Muslims for support
text_fields
Photo: AP
US President Donald Trump hosted an iftar dinner at the White House, highlighting the importance of Ramadan and expressing his appreciation for the Muslim community's support in the 2024 election.
He greeted the attendees by saying "Ramadan Mubarak" to his Muslim guests, acknowledging the significance of the holy month.
The event saw the presence of Muslim community leaders, diplomats, and government officials. During his remarks, Trump described Ramadan as a time for spiritual reflection and self-restraint.
According to the Indian Express, he emphasized that throughout the month, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk, which strengthens their focus on prayer and devotion to God.
He noted that after a day of fasting, Muslims gather with loved ones to break their fast at iftar dinners, offering thanks to God. Trump also reiterated his hope for peace across the globe.
‘A very special thanks’
During his speech at the iftar dinner, Trump expressed gratitude to Muslim Americans, thanking them for what he described as their "record numbers" of support in the last presidential election.
He acknowledged that their support had initially been slow but noted that by November, the Muslim community had rallied behind his campaign. Trump assured the attendees that, as president, he would continue to stand by them, Indian Express reported.
Commitment to Middle East diplomacy
He also reiterated his administration's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Trump mentioned that his administration had remained dedicated to fostering peace in the region, building on the historic Abraham Accords, which he claimed many had thought would be impossible.
He emphasized that efforts to strengthen these agreements would continue moving forward.
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, had established diplomatic ties between Israel and various Arab nations.
As the event drew to a close, guests joined in breaking their fast, a moment marking the White House's annual recognition of Ramadan.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is a deeply holy time for Muslims, commemorating the divine revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. It is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual development, with the fast being broken at sunset with iftar.