Thursday, 28 March 2024
"In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious!" بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
 
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Articles > Islam in mass media > Iftar in US Department of State

Ansar.ru cites Voice of America's report that US Secretary of State John Kerry took part in iftar that was organized by US Department of State and took place in the department.

Secretary of State began his address with the words, “Assalamu alaikum”. In his speech, he admitted that the United States have not always acted rightly towards all religious groups, but he highly appreciated their diversity and patriotism. Mr Kerry also told of the efforts of foreign service in finding new ways of communicating with Muslim communities all around the world.

“We are celebrating the holiest month of the Muslim calendar year, Ramadan. It is a time for peaceful reflection and for prayer. It is a time for acts of compassion and charity.”

Kerry emphasized the importance of programs helping to establishing relationships, reach mutual understanding and build partnership relations.

“We didn’t always get it right,” he admitted. “But throughout our history, we have struggled with the divisiveness of religious differences. I can proudly say today that no place has ever welcomed so many different communities, so many people, to worship so freely. The diversity and the patriotism of America’s religious communities today are sources of strength for all of us”.

He also mentioned the contribution of people whose actions exemplify spirit of cooperation and struggle for positive change.

“And what we need to do is care for our fellow men and women, whatever the differences. If we are doing God’s work, we can do that. So let us act in faith – act in faith – even as we preach it. Let us treat each other with respect. Let us lift up humanity and live our faiths fully and freely and draw inspiration from this day of fasting and every day of fasting in Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!” said Kerry.

It is worth noting that Kerry was perfectly prepared for his speech as he freely used Islamic terminology and even joked about iftar.

Earlier, a decision to host iftar was voiced by President of USA Barack Obama. Russian politicians did not follow the example of their American colleagues yet.


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