WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump wished Muslims “a joyful Ramadan,” on Friday in a message that was in bad taste due to a repeated reference to terrorism and violence.
“On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan,” said Trump, who is completing his first overseas trip as president.
After a few words about the holy month, the tycoon-turned-president turned to his rhetoric about violence and trying to make a link with Islam.
“This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology,” said the US leader.
“During this month of Ramadan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace,” said Trump who addressed muslim leaders during his Saudi Arabia tour.
The US head in his message stated the the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict.
The presidential statement concluded by saying, “I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a blessed month as you observe the Ramadan traditions of charity, fasting, and prayer. May God bless you and your families.”
https://twitter.com/ddale8/status/868129379523715072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthinkprogress.org%2Fmedia%2Fd45109742483d8ab861e0d18a8165f2d%3FpostId%3De124145411d9
Trump’s message for Muslims for the holy month apparently suggests a policy shift, but the president was lampooned on social media for consistently referring to violence and Islamic extremism.
The month of Ramazan is sacred to Muslims who refrain from eating, drinking and other activities from dawn to dusk. Muslims in Europe and Middle east are fasting today whereas in Pakistan, the month would start on Sunday (tomorrow).
