Iftar dinner held at White House: Obama acknowledges American Muslims contribution

President Barack Obama on Tuesday lauded American Muslims for their numerous contributions to United States' development as he hosted an Iftar dinner at the White House. "Like the broader American citizenry, the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity - with families that stretch back generations and more recent immigrants; with Muslims of countless races and ethnicities, and with roots in every corner of the world.
"Indeed, the contribution of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalogue because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country. American Muslims are successful in business and entertainment; in the arts and athletics; in science and in medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good neighbours, and active citizens," he said.
American lawmakers including two Muslim members, Representatives Keith Ellison, a Democrat from Minnesota and Andre Carson, a Democrat from Indiana, members of the Obama cabinet, and envoys from Islamic countries including Pakistan's ambassador Husain Haqqani attended the Iftar dinner.
Obama, who began his speech with Ramazan greetings, remarked "on this occasion, we celebrate the Holy Month of Ramazan, and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture - in ways both large and small." He also shared stories of some outstanding American Muslims on the occasion. The US president particularly paid tributes to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali at an Iftar dinner for his inspiring and remarkable contributions to America.
"Of course, we know that when it comes to athletes who have inspired America, any list would include the man known simply as The Greatest. And while Muhammad Ali could not join us tonight, it is worth reflecting upon his remarkable contributions," he said at the White House. Obama said Ali has "grown from an unmatched fighter in the ring to a man of quiet dignity and grace who continues to fight for what he believes - and that includes the notion that people of all faiths holds things in common." The US leader also quoted Muhammad Ali and stressed joint efforts for mutual respect between people of all religions.
"I love this quote. A few years ago, he (Ali) explained this view - and this is part of why he's The Greatest - saying, 'Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams - they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do - they all contain truths."
Continuing on the theme, President Obama said: "They all contain truths. Among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground. And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths - Christians, Jews, and Hindus - along with so many prominent Muslims."
"Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as President, both at home and abroad. That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season.
So tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honour the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world," he added.