Jill and I send our best wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Adha, the "great holiday" of Islam. The traditions of Eid commemorate the story of Abraham and his family's ultimate fidelity to God, and serve as a reminder of the importance of selflessness, charity, and service to the less fortunate.
This year-for the first time-the White House is celebrating Eid al-Adha with a gathering of Muslim community leaders, hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. In the United States, we are proud to be home to millions of Muslims who enrich our nation's cultural fabric and contribute to our shared prosperity. We value the countless contributions American Muslims make to our society, from education and healthcare to business and public service. Their presence strengthens our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and religious freedom.
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As we gather with loved ones and engage in acts of worship, charity, and community service during this holy occasion, let us renew our commitment to the values that bind us together: compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. These principles are at the core of both Islam and the American spirit.
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid, more than a million pilgrims are peacefully performing their religious obligations of, the Hajj, at Mount Arafa and Mecca in Saudi Arabia -including thousands of American Muslims- and, here in America, we join in the work of renewing our commitment to pursuing peace and a better world for everyone.
The Hajj brings together people from every continent and corner of the globe, leaving their worldly possessions and wearing the simple, white Ihram garb in a spirit of equality. This idea is similar to those on which our nation is built - that we are all created equal, and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
May the spirit of Eid Al-Adha bring joy, peace, and unity to your hearts and homes. We look forward to welcoming home our American Muslim pilgrims who have earned the title "Al-Hajj." To them and to Muslims across the globe, we wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday. Eid Mubarak!
