Monday, June 06, 2016

Ramadan Begins Today; Obama Issues Greetings

Al Arabiya reports that Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court (after confirming seeing the moon crescent) has declared that Ramadan begins today.  UAE, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority have issued similar declarations. In the United States and a number of other countries, Muslims generally rely on astronomical calculations-- rather than actual sighting of the new moon-- for the beginning of Ramadan. (Background.) Yesterday President Obama issued a statement (full text) on behalf of himself and Michelle extending best wishes to Muslims in the United States and around the world. His statement said in part:
As Muslim Americans celebrate the holy month, I am reminded that we are one American family.  I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights.