World leaders say Islam abhors terror, in Ramadan speeches

By: Mohamed Ali

JACKSONVILLE, United States: AS the holy month of Ramadan began in some parts of the world on Thursday, in some other on Friday while in others on Saturday depending on crescent sighting, world leaders issued messages marking the occasion to greet Muslims.

In Iraq, the office of Ayatullah Sistani announced that Saturday is the first Ramadan. Iran, Pakistan, Oman, The Netherlands and some other countries also began observing the fasting month on Saturday.

Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said the holy month of Ramadan is a fitting time for Singapore Muslims to show their 'compassionate face' and reach out to the less fortunate, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Rather than isolate Muslims from the rest of the Singapore community, Islam is a 'social religion' that teaches believers to reach out and help people from all communities.

(Islam) is a religion that cares for the welfare and needs of those who are less fortunate, irrespective of religious and racial background,' he told reporters after he launched this year's Ramadan campaign at Singapore Expo.

US President George W. Bush paid his respects to Muslims in the United States and around the world as they began celebrating Ramadan.

“I send warm greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world,” Bush said in a written statement released by the White House, adding that First Lady Laura Bush “joins me in sending our best wishes.”

“By teaching the importance of compassion, justice, mercy, and peace, the Qur'an has guided many millions of believers across the centuries. Today, this holy time is still set aside for Muslims to remember their dependence on God through fasting and prayer, and to show charity to those in need,” said Bush.

“American history has taught us to welcome the contributions of men and women of all faiths, for we share the fundamental values of religious freedom, love of family, and gratitude to God,” he said. “Americans who practice the Islamic faith enrich our society and help our nation build a better future.”

Iraqi president Ghazi Al-Yawer and his deputy doctor Ibrahim Al-Gaafari congratulated on the occasion of the advent of Ramadan and appealed for unity, brotherhood and cooperation.‏

Saudi and Yemeni leaders, in addresses marking the start of the month of Ramadan, stressed that Islam is a tolerant religion that does not condone terrorism of the kind practiced by extremists.

“Muslims must act ... in keeping with the tolerant Islamic creed, which rejects violence, extremism, terrorism and the intimidation of peaceable people, while advocating ... moderation and centrism,” said Saudi Arabia's King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in a joint statement.

In Yemen, President Ali Abdullah Saleh said Islam is a “religion of tolerance, love, brotherhood, justice and compassion.” Islam disavows “extremism, violence and terrorism ... That is why our country is exerting immense efforts to combat and uproot terrorism, and to tackle extremism in all possible ways, including intellectual dialogue conducted by ulema (Muslim scholars) with a view to eliminating the distorted thinking of some youth.”

END