Saturday, December 30, 2006
CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- President Bush on Friday sent holiday greetings to all Muslims in America, Iraq and across the world as they celebrate the Eid al-Adha religious festival.
"Eid al-Adha is an important occasion to give thanks for their blessings and to remember Abraham's trust in a loving God," Bush said in a statement released from his Texas ranch, where he is spending the week pondering changes to U.S. policy in Iraq and staying abreast of Saddam Hussein's execution.
Iraq's Shiites will celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important holidays in Islam, from Dec. 31 to Jan. 4.
"During the four days of this special observance, Muslims honor Abraham's example of sacrifice and devotion to God by celebrating with friends and family, exchanging gifts and greetings, and engaging in worship through sacrifice and charity," he said.
Bush noted the contributions of Muslim U.S. citizens.
"This holiday reminds us of the values that so many of our citizens hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to God, the importance of community and a commitment to respect, diversity, tolerance and religious freedom," Bush said.
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