Jack & Jill Politics

This time of year is one of the most sacred of holidays for Muslims. It’s easy to forget, but 25% of American Muslims are of African-American descent. Still more are of African descent, i.e. from the Motherland. And — many of the slaves brought here to America were Muslim. You may even be descended from one. You can learn more about Ramadan here at AllAfrica.com. Black people you know who might be celebrating Ramadan include:

Keith Ellison • Andre Carson • Jermaine Jackson • Dave Chappelle • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar • Rasheed Wallace • Shaquille O’Neal • Muhammad Ali • Mike Tyson • Ice Cube

Muslim does not equal terrorist. That’s super-important to remember, folks. All the ridiculous fuss over placing a house of worship that’s Muslim a few blocks from Ground Zero reminds us how important preserving our freedoms still are.

There are terrorists like the white guy (probably an unhinged Tea Party fanatic) who’s going around killing black men — that guy was probably raised a Christian. Christian or even Tea Party member (sigh) does not equal terrorist. Let’s bask in the warm glow of our nation’s freedom of religion and join the Prez in wishing our peace-loving, non-violent, America-loving neighbors who happen to worship Islam (and many of whom happen to look like us) our best Ramadan Muburak.

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I want to extend our best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. This is a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared. But Ramadan is also a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and pray during the night; when Muslims provide support to others to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere. For all of us must remember that the world we want to build – and the changes that we want to make – must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.

These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings. Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality. And here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country. And today, I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world – and your families and friends – as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan.

I look forward to hosting an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan here at the White House later this week, and wish you a blessed month.

May God’s peace be upon you.