Press Release

State's Hughes Celebrates Eid al Adha: Praises Celebration of Family and Community

January 10, 2006

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen P. Hughes observed the Eid al-Adha at the Islamic Society of Frederick, Maryland, where she described the occasion as “a celebration of commitment and obedience to God and also of God’s mercy and provision for all of us.”

The Eid al-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, marks the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. It lasts four days and recalls the patriarch Ibraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Ishmael in the Koranic account) rather than disobey God’s word.

Hughes praised the “wonderful celebration of family and community” and read President Bush’s Eid message. (See related story)

A transcript of the under secretary’s remarks follows:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
January 10, 2006

Remarks by Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes

Eid Celebration at the Islamic Society of Frederick, Maryland

January 10, 2005
Frederick, Maryland

(10:30 a.m. EST)

UNDER SECRETARY HUGHES: I want to thank Imam Hendi for his friendship and for his leadership. I told him on the way in that he is a wonderful teacher. I happened to catch him on television the other night, and he does a wonderful job of speaking to children and teaching them about your faith and about the values that we all have in common as human beings. I am honored to be here to help celebrate Eid. It is great to see all the children and all their festive clothing and their smiling faces. This is a wonderful celebration of family and community. I am very, very honored that you have asked me to be here with you, that I was able to be here.

Eid is a celebration of commitment and obedience to God and also of God's mercy and provision for all of us. It is a time of family and community, a time of charity. I was struck by the Imam's message that every one of us has something to give for the common good. That is what I try to think about as I have the privilege of representing you and serving our country -- that it is an opportunity for me to have something to give for the common good, and everyone of us has something that we can share with each other and contribute to the common good.

As President Bush has said:

"Through generosity, compassion, and a commitment to faith, Muslim Americans have helped make our country stronger." It is my honor to reach out to the Muslim-American community and to work with you as we work together to confront the threats of terrorism and the ideologies of hate in our world. And so I very much appreciate the opportunity to be here. I want to read to you a message from President Bush: "I send greetings to Muslims around the world as you celebrate Eid al-Adha.

When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Abraham placed his faith in God above all else. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims celebrate Abraham's devotion and give thanks for God's mercy and many blessings. Eid is also a time for demonstrating charity and reaching out to family, friends, and those in need. America is blessed to have people of many religious beliefs who contribute to the diverse makeup of this country. Through generosity, compassion, and a commitment to faith, Muslim Americans have helped make our country stronger. Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous celebration."

And on behalf of President and Mrs. Bush and all of us, I am privileged to wish you Eid Mubarak. Thank you so much.

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