OBAMA HIGHLIGHTS MUSLIMS' CONTRIBUTION AT IFTAR DINNER

WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- United States President Barack Obama praised
the contributions of American Muslims at an Iftar dinner hosted at the White
House Tuesday.

Before a crowd of foreign ambassadors, high-ranking US officials and
congressmen including the first two Muslim representatives, Keith Ellison and
Andre Carson, Obama said that the community's contribution had been vast and
ranged from business to science, from the arts to athletics.

The breaking of fast event, accompanied by a well-choreographed publicity
through the presence of the international media, served as a platform for the
President to send a message to reach out to the Muslim world which was alienated
due to the previous administration's aggressive policy that seemed to associate
Islam with terrorism.

Describing the event as a "celebration of Ramadan", Obama praised the
contribution of the American Muslim community which, he said, was "one of
extraordinary dynamism and diversity" and of "countless races and ethnicities,
and with roots in every corner of the world".

He singled out the former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali for
praise, speaking of the latter's evolution from an "unmatched fighter in the
ring to a man of quiet dignity and grace who continues to fight for what he
believes".

In an attempt, obviously, to create an atmosphere conducive for religious
harmony, Obama's aides had also invited Americans belonging to other faiths,
particularly Christians, Jews and Hindus.

Ramadan, he reminded, was a time for people of all faiths to "recommit
themselves" to the work of building a better and more hopeful world.

"Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual
interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as
President, both at home and abroad.

"That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United
States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew
once again during this holy season," he added.

Obama also praised the "ultimate sacrifice" made by a Muslim soldier who
gave his life in Iraq.

Kareem Khan had joined the military soon after he finished high school. His
mother Elsheba Khan said: "He (Kareem) always wanted to help any way that he
could."
A crescent symbol has been carved on his grave in Arlington National
Cemetry, where thousands of those who fell for the nation lie buried.

Also highlighting the tolerance in the US for other religions and their
practices, Obama cited the case of Nashala Hearn of Muskogee, Okalahama, who had
been told by her school district that she could not wear the hijab.

She challenged the order and found that "the Department stood behind her,
and she won her right to practice her faith", the President maintained.

Indeed, Hearn even travelled to Washington to testify before the Congress.

"We honor the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example
that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to
the work of building a better and more hopeful world," he said.
-- BERNAMA