Obama marks Ramadan by praising Islam

September 19th, 2009 Obama extends greetings on Muslim holidayWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is extending greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr (ayd ahl-FIH'-tur), which marks the end of the holy monthlong fasting time known as Ramadan. The president on Saturday issued a statement saying he and his wife, Michelle, congratulate Muslims in the U.S.

September 8th, 2009 KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has urged Muslims to exercise religious tolerance and respect other communities as dictated in the Quran. "Islam is a religion for all, and it enforces a universal concept that looks out for all races while also teaching us not to criticise other religions because it will only cause the others to criticise us even more," The Star Online quoted Razak, as saying.

September 5th, 2009 LONDON - The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has been criticized for asking Brits to fast for a day so they would know what it is like to be a Muslim. Johnson said people should starve themselves from dawn until dusk during Ramadan and then end their fast during a visit to their local mosque.

September 1st, 2009 Obama to host dinner for Islamic holy monthWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is hosting a dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Obama was also to highlight the contributions of American Muslims at the Tuesday evening event in the State Dining Room.

September 1st, 2009 President gets flu briefing, hosts RamadanWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is starting September with a briefing on the latest efforts to prepare for the H1N1 flu virus. Tuesday's briefing features senior officials who will outline the government's ongoing efforts to respond to the new strain of swine flu.

September 1st, 2009 Obama hosts dinner for Islamic holy monthWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has praised the contributions of American Muslims at a dinner to celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Obama joined Cabinet secretaries, ambassadors and members of Congress to pay tribute to what he called "a great religion and its commitment to justice and progress." The president also welcomed American Muslim community leaders to the event in the State Dining Room.

August 31st, 2009 KUALA LUMPUR - The father of Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, the former model booked for drinking beer in Malaysia, hopes that his daughter will be spared the cane if her case comes up for review. Shukarno Mutalib said: "I'm looking forward to hearing good news and I have sought the counsel of Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, who assured me everything would be okay during this holy month." Shukarno said he and Kartika would accept any decision made by the authorities.

August 22nd, 2009 LONDON - Egyptian grocers have named the finest variety of dates for the month of Ramadan after US President Barack Obama because of his popularity since his visit to the predominately Muslim nation last June. Egyptian traders have the tradition of naming dates after politicians and celebrities to woo customers during Ramadan when the demand for dried fruits usually surges.

August 21st, 2009 PARIS - The Muslims in France will observe the holy month of Ramadan from Saturday, WAM news agency reported Friday citing the French Council of the Muslim Faith. Muslims fast from daybreak until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.

August 21st, 2009 Obama marks beginning of Muslim holy monthWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday cast U.S. military efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan as part of his drive to forge a new relationship between America and the Muslim world.

August 20th, 2009 ABU DHABI - The "message of compassion and justice is strong in Islamic faith", British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said in his Ramadan greetings to Muslims, WAM news agency reported Thursday. Ramadan, the month of fasting, begins Friday or Saturday subject to the appearance of new moon.

August 16th, 2009 ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has urged merchants not to hike commodity prices during the holy month of Ramadan, the WAM news agency reported Sunday. The economy ministry has also urged the importers and merchants to refrain from market monopoly and ensure adequate supply of goods.

August 12th, 2009 ABU DHABI - The Red Crescent Authority (RCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Wednesday announced several humanitarian programmes for the upcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan, WAM news agency reported. The Ramadan seasonal charity campaign, which included iftar meal, Eid ul-Fitr clothing and Zakat ul-Fitr, was launched at a press conference here.

June 11th, 2009 LONDON - Muslim extremists want toys such as Peppa Pig and Barbie banned, fearing they bring a corrupting influence on their kids by promoting "western values" against Islam. Some shopping centres, including one in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were reported to have already dropped the Peppa Pig dolls from their shelves.

June 4th, 2009 CAIRO - "I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive," US President Barack Obama said in Cairo Thursday. Obama said he was aware that "no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust", but said he was "convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts".