Barack Obama wishes 'Eid Mubarak'

Washington, Aug 19: US President Barack Obama wished Muslims around the world "Eid Mubarak" for the festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

"Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

"For Muslims, Ramadan has been a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. These past four weeks have also been a time to serve the less fortunate -- a reminder of the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other."

Obama said "we congratulate Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world on this joyous day. Eid Mubarak."
He said the Eid celebrations in America speak to "the truth that communities of faith -- including Muslim Americans -- enrich our national life, strengthen our democracy and uphold our freedoms, including the freedom of religion."

"That is why we stand with people of all faiths, in the United States and around the world, in protecting and advancing this universal human right," he added.