Trump and Carney Send Ramadan Greetings
US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have issued statements marking the beginning of Ramadan.
"Today, I extend greetings and best wishes to all those observing Ramadan," Trump said.
Trump described Ramadan as "a solemn season of spiritual renewal, reflection, and appreciation of God's blessings," adding that the holy month emphasises prayer and fasting, strengthens family and community bonds, and affirms the values of compassion, charity and humility.
"The God-given right to worship freely is a hallmark of our nation and a pillar of our prosperity and strength," he said, offering prayers for happiness, unity and world peace.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a similar message.
"As the sun sets tonight, Muslims in Canada and around the world will begin observing Ramadan," he said.
In the coming weeks, families and friends will gather in homes and mosques for prayer and reflection. After fasting from dawn until dusk, they will break their fast with iftar, the traditional evening meal, he said.
**Combating Islamophobia**
Carney described Ramadan as a time for reflection, gratitude and celebration, whilst highlighting the persistence of Islamophobic acts in Canada.
"Combating hatred is a top priority for this government, and Islamophobia has no place in our country," he said.
He added that a fundamental Canadian value is every person's right to freedom, security and the opportunity to thrive.
Carney also offered prayers for a blessed and peaceful month, concluding his statement with "Ramadan Mubarak."
Several Arab and Muslim countries welcomed Ramadan on Wednesday, whilst others began fasting a day later.
Muslims in Turkey, Oman, Singapore and Australia will commence fasting on Thursday after authorities confirmed the start of the month based on astronomical calculations.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Some countries rely on local moon sighting, whilst others increasingly use astronomical calculations, particularly when scientific data confirms that the crescent moon would be impossible to observe.
"Today, I extend greetings and best wishes to all those observing Ramadan," Trump said.
Trump described Ramadan as "a solemn season of spiritual renewal, reflection, and appreciation of God's blessings," adding that the holy month emphasises prayer and fasting, strengthens family and community bonds, and affirms the values of compassion, charity and humility.
"The God-given right to worship freely is a hallmark of our nation and a pillar of our prosperity and strength," he said, offering prayers for happiness, unity and world peace.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a similar message.
"As the sun sets tonight, Muslims in Canada and around the world will begin observing Ramadan," he said.
In the coming weeks, families and friends will gather in homes and mosques for prayer and reflection. After fasting from dawn until dusk, they will break their fast with iftar, the traditional evening meal, he said.
**Combating Islamophobia**
Carney described Ramadan as a time for reflection, gratitude and celebration, whilst highlighting the persistence of Islamophobic acts in Canada.
"Combating hatred is a top priority for this government, and Islamophobia has no place in our country," he said.
He added that a fundamental Canadian value is every person's right to freedom, security and the opportunity to thrive.
Carney also offered prayers for a blessed and peaceful month, concluding his statement with "Ramadan Mubarak."
Several Arab and Muslim countries welcomed Ramadan on Wednesday, whilst others began fasting a day later.
Muslims in Turkey, Oman, Singapore and Australia will commence fasting on Thursday after authorities confirmed the start of the month based on astronomical calculations.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Some countries rely on local moon sighting, whilst others increasingly use astronomical calculations, particularly when scientific data confirms that the crescent moon would be impossible to observe.