Ambassador's Speeches

Ambassador Perry's 2007 Iftar Remarks

October 9, 2007
Omar Bin Alkhatab Institute for Islamic and Vocational Studies
Freetown

Good Evening and thank you very much for welcoming us at this time  to your school, the Omar Bin Alkhatab Institute for Islamic and Vocational Studies.

Ramadan Mubarak to all of you.  I hope that your studies are going well and that you are gaining skills and ideas that will bring you a successful and bright future. Students at every level all over the world often reach a point where they are eager for their education to be completely finished so they may go out in the world and practice what they have learned.  We recognize, of course, that learning is a life-long experience.  However, it is important to cherish the time you have here to learn.

I would also like to personally thank Sheikh Abu Bakr Conteh, who helped us arrange our visit with  you here today.  As friends gather for this meal to break the  fast during this month of Ramadan, I wish to convey, through you, the Sierra Leone’s Muslim community that the United States values your friendship and honors your faith.

It has become a tradition at the White House and in various United States Embassies around the world to host an Iftar to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.  Today, in the United States many non-Muslims are joining their Muslim friends at Iftars and learning about the values of Islam.  It is in that spirit that we share the Iftar with you today.  This experience reminds us of the core principles upon which America was founded and reflects the diversity and the different cultures that exist in the United States today.
 
Diversity is inherent in the United States.  Why? Because we are a country of people from all lands. We guard our freedoms and liberty jealously and the freedom of religion is firmly embedded in our beliefs.  Many immigrants who have come to America sought a place of  refuge to practice their religious beliefs without persecution because they had been  denied the basic freedom to worship in their own countries.  The United States has become stronger because those who came often had few financial resources, but they were able to build new lives for themselves, their families and our nation.
 
Like many groups before them, Muslims have found success in America. Today there are over seven million Americans who are Muslim and Islam is the fastest growing religion in our country.   For them, as for you, Ramadan is observed as a time of spiritual reflection, compassion, and charity.  Their contribution have enriched our heritage. The booklet that we are sharing with you today illustrates the many aspects of Muslim life in America.  I hope you take it home with you. 

We share the ideal of freedom to worship with Sierra Leoneans.  Sierra Leone has much to teach other countries about tolerance that exists here for the freedom of worship.  Sierra Leone was again praised this year, as it has been every year, by the United States Government in the annual Religious Freedom Report.  You should all be proud of your exceptional reputation for religious tolerance and diversity.

In a spirit of friendship and our common ideals, I invite you to break your fast by the food here now.  Again, I thank you for inviting us today.