In Eid message, Biden reaffirms commitment to respect all religions

U.S. President Joe Biden used his Eid message on Monday to reaffirm his pledge to respect all faiths and beliefs.

The US leader also stressed the need to help the “millions of displaced persons and refugees throughout the world who celebrate this holy feast separated from their families and uncertain of their future”.

Biden pledged to renew the tradition of celebrating Eid at the White House this year to “honour inspirational Muslim Americans who are driving efforts to increase understanding and unity across the country.”

This tradition was abandoned by the Trump administration, seemingly owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, also noted in his Eid message that President Biden would host a special Eid event at the White House during the Eid vacation.

Biden’s first two points – respecting all religions and assisting refugees and displaced people – are also key points of his government’s foreign policy.

In March, the United States adopted a UN resolution declaring March 15 to be Islamophobia Day. On that day, in 2019, a right-wing extremist assassinated over 50 Muslims during a terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand.

Pakistan had proposed a resolution cosponsored by 55 countries, mainly Muslims.

Mr. Biden noted in his message that Eid marks the end of a sacred month of devotion and reflection when families and communities gather together to celebrate their blessings.

“And Eid is also an occasion for Muslims to remember all those who are struggling or impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease, and to recommit to building a better future for all,” he said

As Muslims in the United States celebrate Eid, “let us renew our basic commitment to respect all faiths and beliefs.”

President Biden remarked that the Holy Qur’an exhorts people to stand firmly for justice and “reminds us that we were created as nations and tribes so that we can come to know each other”.