President Issues Ramadan Greetings To Muslims

On Friday, President Bush issued a Message (full text) sending greetings to Muslims observing Ramadan in the U.S. and around the world. The Message reads in part:

I thank the men and women of the Muslim community for their contributions to America. Your love of family, and gratitude to God have strengthened the moral fabric of our country. Our Nation is stronger and more hopeful because of the generosity, talents, and compassion of our Muslim citizens.

The observance of Ramadan begins tomorrow. Islam Online discusses the complicated determination of the starting date for Ramadan around the world. Today's Washington Post has a long article detailing the activity of one of Egypt's seven official moon sighting committees as it combines religion and science in determining the start of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast.