(CNN)For the very first time in almost twenty years, the White House did not host an iftar supper to celebrate Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Instead, President Donald Trump and very first girl Melania launched a declaration on Saturday wanting “warm greetings” to those commemorating Eid al-Fitr, an essential vacation marking completion of Ramadan.
“Muslims in the United States signed up with those around the globe throughout the holy month of Ramadan to concentrate on acts of faith and charity,” they stated. “Now, as they celebrate Eid with friends and family, they continue the custom of breaking and assisting next-door neighbors bread with individuals from all strolls of life.”
By not hosting a supper, Trump breaks with a yearly custom supported by the previous 3 administrations. The suppers started under President Bill Clinton and were continued by both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. They were generally participated in by popular members of the Muslim neighborhood along with members of Congress and diplomats from Muslim nations.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson likewise braked with years of custom by turning down a demand by the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs to host a reception marking Eid al-Fitr, inning accordance with 2 administration authorities knowledgeable about the choice.
Since 1999, Tillerson’s 5 Democratic and republican predecessors have actually hosted either an iftar supper to break the quick throughout Ramadan or an Eid al-Fitr reception at the end of the monthlong vacation. Numerous diplomatic posts overseas likewise host occasions throughout the Ramadan month of fasting and prayer.
Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/24/politics/white-house-ramadan-celebration/index.html
