[I recorded this off of CSPAN. There are a few acknowledgments in this speech, some attractive to the Muslim community. For example, President Bush recounts Muhammad as a prophet and the Quran as the word of God. Transcribed as below by Clay Chip Smith].
[Host from Mosque speaks] Mr. President, respected Imaams, Ladies and Gentlemen: “as salaam alaikum wa rahmatu-llahi wa barakatuh [peace be to you and the mercy of Allah and his blessings]”. Mr. President, we thank you very much for being with us today, to celebrate Eid al Fitr Mubarak the festivity marking the end of Ramadan. This feast comes after a month of fasting, every day from dawn to sunset. With this practice, Muslims remember God and all the gifts that he has given and are thankful to Him. The main objective of this month is to obey God and to have piety in our hearts. We are encouraged to practice self restraint and to remember the poor, the needy, and all of God’s creatures. In short, the purpose of this month is to be truly human. Mr. President, your visit here today is greatly appreciated by millions of American Muslims and by over a Billion Muslims around the world. It demonstrates the value of human tolerance. A virtue taught by Islam and practiced here in America, sir. Thank you for being here with us today. Eid Mubarak and blessed feast.
[President Bush Speaks] Thank you very much sir. Good to be with you again. It is my honor to visit the Islamic Center of Washington once again. For half a century this Mosque has been a place of worship for Muslims and has helped to advance understanding between people of different faiths. Millions of our citizens fellow American practice the Muslim faith. They lead lives of honesty, justice, and compassion. I am pleased to join you today in the celebration of Eid, the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. I appreciate so very much Dr. Coach, and I want to thank the other distinguished Imaams from the DC area for being here. Thank you all for being here and I enjoyed our visit. I also appreciate the Muslin children here telling me stories, reading me poems, and showing me art work. Please tell them thanks again for their hospitality.
Islam traces its origins back to God’s call on Abraham. And, Ramadan commemorates the revelation of God’s words in the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. A word that is read and recited with special attention and reverence by Muslims during this season. Over the past month, Muslims have fasted, taking no food or water during daylight hour in order to refocus their minds on faith and redirect their hearts to charity. Muslims world wide have stretched out a hand of mercy to those in need. Charity tables at which the poor can break their fast line the streets cities and towns. And, gifts of food, clothing and money are distributed to be sure all share in God’s abundance.
Muslims often invite member of other families to their families iftar meals, demonstrating a spirit of tolerance. During Eid Al Fiter, Muslims celebrate the completion of their fast and the blessings of renewed faith that have come with it. Customs vary between countries. From illuminating lanterns in Egypt, to lighting fire crackers in Pakistan, to inviting elders to traditional feasts in Nijar, around the world families, neighbors, and friends gather to share traditional foods and congratulate each other on meeting the test of Ramadan. The spirit behind this holiday is a reminder that Islam brings hope and comfort to more than a billion people world wide.
Islam affirms God’s justice and insists on man’s moral responsibility. This holiday is also an occasion to remember that Islam gave birth to a rich civilization of learning that has benefited mankind. Here in the United States, our Muslim citizens are making many contributions in business, science, law, medicine, education, and in other fields. Muslim member of our armed forces and of my administration are serving their fellow Americans with distinction, upholding our nation’s ideals of liberty and justice in a world at peace. And in our Nation’s capitol, this center contributes greatly to our spiritual and cultural life.
On behalf of Laura and our family and the American people, I bring our best wishes to all who worship here and to Muslims through out the world for a joyous Eid and for health happiness and prosperity in the year to come. Eid Mubarak. God Bless [President departs].