Remarks by Charge James P. McAnulty at the Al-Habibiyyah Ramadan Feeding Program, Guzape, Asokoro District, Abuja (July 26, 2012)

July 26, 2012

"Asalaam Alaikum" {Aas-salaama  alay-kum},

On behalf of the United States Mission to Nigeria and volunteers who have joined me this evening, we are pleased and honored to participate in this special event as part of your fast-breaking during Ramadan.   I note as well that U.S. President Barack Obama, as part of a proud tradition in America, will host an inter-faith “Iftar” later this month at the White House in Washington, D.C., to which he will invite individuals from many faiths to celebrate one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith.  Such events strengthen inter-faith relations, dialogue, and fellowship in countries around the world.

The opportunity for us to join with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the celebration of their faith reminds us that we are all part of a larger community dedicated to making Nigeria a better place.  This desire for a life of peace and prosperity is not limited to your community -- we share this aspiration with communities all over the world.

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria is honored to support the Al- Ha-bi-bi-yyah Food Bank Program for the second consecutive year.  As mentioned by U.S. Ambassador Terence McCulley at last year’s event, this program began in November 2005, shortly after the participation by Imam Fu’ad in the U.S. International Visitor’s Leadership Program on “Religion and Community.”   I understand that the Imam came up with the idea of establishing this project after visiting the Rescue Mission in Salt Lake City, Utah, where volunteers assist the homeless, provide jobs to the unemployed, and feed the hungry.

I understand that the concept of community and the promotion of exchanges among different groups of people are important to followers of the Muslim faith and form part of the reason why God created us and put us on earth.  Indeed, all major religions in the world today emphasize the importance of promoting friendship, harmony, and good works among people. 

The U.S. Mission remains engaged with Nigerians of all faiths and ethnic groups to promote dialogue and mutual understanding, especially among Nigeria's youth.  And so we come to join you in breaking your fast, with a sentiment conveyed by a Hausa proverb, which says Zumunta a k’afa take” {Zum-un-taah ka-fa-tah-kay}, which means “Good relationships depend on personal interaction.”  We hope that by being here today we have kept up the good relationship we have with the Muslim community in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.

Thank you again for inviting us to be with you this evening, and I wish you all "Ramadan Kareem!"