Remarks at Iftaar Dinner

Remarks As Prepared

Welcome to Roosevelt House. It is my honor to speak to you tonight at an Iftaar in the Ambassador's Residence in this country, where millions of Muslims have made a profound contribution to India and its culture. I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate an honored tradition of the Muslim faith, and wish you, "Ramzan Mubarak."

I also want to thank the Imam Sahib for joining us today, and leading the prayers, and thank you all for taking time out to celebrate this important dinner with us.

President Bush has great confidence in India, and understands that Islam will have a profound role to play in this country's future. He also had the honor of hosting his own Iftaar at the White House on October 17. India's Ambassador Ronan Sen was one of the President's honored guests.

Ramzan is the holiest time of the Muslim year. According to Islamic teaching, this month commemorates the revelation of God's word to the Prophet Muhammad in the form of the Koran. For more than a billion Muslims, Ramzan is a time of heartfelt prayer and togetherness. This holy month is a time of fasting and personal sacrifice and an opportunity to give thanks for God's blessings through works of charity.

It is a tenet of Islam that Muslims assist their neighbors when they are in need. India sees the spirit and compassion of Islam; through the countless acts of kindness individual Muslims perform every day.

Americans of all faiths have great respect for the commitment of Indian Muslims to faith, family, and education. We seek to learn more about the rich tradition of Indian Islam, which has done so much to promote greater understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States. The State Department is proud to be recruiting more Muslim Americans than ever into the Foreign Service, and all of us who represent the United States share a conviction that our country must remain welcoming and tolerant. We reject every form of ethnic and religious discrimination.

We share with you a common hope for the future -- that our children and grandchildren will grow up in a safer and more peaceful world. We must stand together confidently to deliver that promise to future generations and firmly oppose those who commit evil in God's name.

President Bush and the American people mourned the lives of the many Indians who lost their lives in the recent tragic earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir. The United States is working with the government of India to relieve the suffering of the Kashmiri people caused by the recent devastating earthquake. The Embassy contributed $50,000 to the Prime minister's Relief Fund and $50,000 to Save the Children, which is working in the devastated areas. The United States also has made available an additional $500,000 that will be distributed to Non Governmental organizations working in Jammu and Kashmir to relive the suffering of the earthquake victims. We wish the Indian relief and recovery efforts well.

As we celebrate this special Iftaar, we renew the ties of friendship that bind us and recognize the many hopeful works we have achieved together.

I believe that the spread of justice and tolerance will lead to the peace and prosperity that we all seek. Thank you all for sharing this blessed meal with us.

I'm grateful that you have joined us today, and I wish all of you a blessed Ramzan.