Donald Trump ends tradition of celebrating Ramadan with Iftar dinner

US President Donald Trump’s government has not held an iftar dinner for the end of Ramadan, breaking a Muslim tradition held at the White House for more than two centuries.

The iftar dinner takes place at sunset at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

White House officials reportedly spend months planning the event, which has been held every year under the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations, but 2017 has seen its cancellation.

According to the Independent, the White House issued a statement on late Saturday evening.

“Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity,” the statement read.

“Now, as they commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of helping neighbours and breaking bread with people from all walks of life.

“During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion, and goodwill.  With Muslims around the world, the United States renews our commitment to honour these values. Eid Mubarak.”

Earlier this year Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the government would not host the dinner. He also issued a statement on Saturday, which read, “This holiday marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month in which many experience meaning and inspiration in acts of fasting, prayer, and charity.

“This day offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared commitment to building peaceful and prosperous communities. Eid Mubarak.”

Former President Thomas Jefferson, hosted a White House iftar in December 1805 in honour of Tunisian ambassador Sidi Soliman Mellimelli during the American conflict.

The White House tradition started with earnest in 1996, when First Lady Hillary Clinton hosted 150 people after learning more about the ritual from her daughter Chelsea, who had reportedly studied Islamic history in school, as reported by Muslim Voices.

President George Bush hosted the dinner every year for his two terms, including just after the 9/11 attacks. He said at the dinner that the fight was against terrorism, not Islam.

American Muslims might have been hoping for the dinner to be held at the White House this year as a symbol of unity after a spike in hate crimes against the community, the highest level since 2001.

Comments (10)

  1. Those who sees it as a good change are enemies of Islam and let me tell you clearly, no matter hatred may you have for Islam, it will continue to blossom as only religion acknowledged by Allah………Say what like, do what you like, Islam will continue to be…….IshaAllahu. EID MUBARAK TO THE BLESSED PEOPLE OF ISLAM.

  2. You said he(Trump) broke a tradition that has been in existence for over two century as if it has been celebrated at the White House every year since 1805; while it only “started in earnest in 1996”.

  3. You said he(Trump) broke a tradition that has been in existence for over two century as if it has been celebrated at the White House every year since 1805; while it only “started in earnest in 1996”.

  4. it’s a negative change

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