Trump breaks White House Eid dinner tradition
US President Donald Trump has broken
a nearly 20-year-old tradition by failing to host a dinner marking the
end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The White House event had been held every year since President Clinton's tenure.
The Eid al-Fitr feast ends Ramadan, a period when Muslims fast and focus on charitable giving.
But US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly rejected a request to hold a reception.
In
May, Reuters said Mr Tillerson had refused a recommendation from the
State Department's office of religion and global affairs to organise a
celebration.
Mr Trump has previously been criticised for his use
of anti-Muslim rhetoric, including on the campaign trail when he called
for surveillance of US mosques.
He said in a statement: "On behalf of the American people, Melania
and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
"Muslims
in the United States joined those around the world during the holy
month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity. Now, as they
commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of
helping neighbours and breaking bread with people from all walks of
life.
"During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of
mercy, compassion, and goodwill. With Muslims around the world, the
United States renews our commitment to honour these values. Eid
Mubarak."
Mr Tillerson also released a brief statement, sending "best wishes to all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr".
The first presidential Iftar dinner (the name for a meal held after
sunset, when Muslims break their fast), is said to have been hosted by
Thomas Jefferson in 1805 for a Tunisian envoy.
The subject was covered in a blog post on a US Department of State website, IIP Digital.
The post, titled "Thomas Jefferson's Iftar", appears to have been removed, but is available in archived form here.
The idea of hosting a dinner was revived by Hillary Clinton in 1996, when she was First Lady.
It became an annual tradition from 1999 and was attended by prominent US Muslim leaders, diplomats and legislators.
BBC
No comments
Your comments and Encouragement are welcome