White House

Obama Hosts Ramadan Dinner

"Islam, as we know, is part of America."

Obama broke records with his early-term outreach to the Muslim world—and on Tuesday he reached inward to the Islam that “is part of America” during a Ramadan dinner in the White House. Hosted in the State Dining Room, the iftar—or fast-breaking—meal, highlighted “the contributions of Muslims to the United States” and to promote “engagement grounded in mutual interests and mutual respect.” The president acknowledged the religion’s role in American culture, noting that the tradition he partook in was also “carried out at tables and mosques in all 50 states,” and singling out an Iraq War veteran, a high-school athlete, and Muhammad Ali for praise. George W. Bush hosted eight Ramadan dinners during his two terms.