Embassy of the United States

Ramadan 2008

In 2008, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of 1 September and run through 1 October

Photo 1: Eman Abdul Latief, center, joins friends for a Ramadan evening meal at the Islamic Society of Michiana in South Bend, Indiana.   Photo 2: Muslim worshipers break their fast at a Ramadan dinner at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York, the largest mosque in the city.  Photo 3: A Muslim man shares a tender moment with his wife on South Mountain, Arizona, to view the crescent moon that will signal the beginning of Ramadan. (Used with permission, Pat Shannahan/The Arizona Republic)

Presidential Message, Ramadan 2008 The White House August 29, 2008 I send greetings to Muslims observing Ramadan in America and around the globe. The holy month of Ramadan is a special time of prayer, fasting, and service. For Muslims, these days commemorate the revelation of God's word to the prophet Muhammad in the form of the Qur'an. I thank the men and women of the Muslim community for their contributions to America. Your love of family, and gratitude to God have strengthened the moral fabric of our country. Our Nation is stronger and more hopeful because of the generosity, talents, and compassion of our Muslim citizens. Laura and I send our best wishes. Ramadan Mubarak. GEORGE W. BUSH

The Meaning of Ramadan Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar that has been specifically designated for greater religious adherence and reflection. People are most familiar with the fasting that takes place during the month. And that is certainly an important aspect of it. Just as important is greater religious adherence and greater goodwill towards other men and women.

Video : American Ramadan (2:08)  transcript: American Ramadan

Blogs : Talking Faith: Religious Diversity Talking Faith, a new blog, explores the complexity of life in a religiously diverse nation. Express your views on topics like freedom of faith and religious identity. Come join the discussion.

e-Journal USA : Freedom of Faith (August 2008) The principle of religious freedom is a cherished right in the United States, one that has historical roots older than the formation of the nation itself. In the 21st century, the United States pulses with a unique cultural chemistry brought on by a wave of immigration which has brought followers of more diverse faiths to many communities.  This edition of eJournal USA examines how the nation adjusts to these demographic changes to remain true to the principles of freedom of faith. Inside this publication   View PDF (5.88 MB)

The Muslim Life in America Booklet

Useful Links at America.gov

U.S. Muslims Observe Ramadan in Supportive Environment (28 August 2008) Eman Abdul Latief, center, joins friends for a Ramadan evening meal at the Islamic Society of Michiana in South Bend, Indiana.

Religious Freedom Laws Help Create Culture of Tolerance     Scholar R. Scott Hanson discusses religious diversity in America (25 August 2008) Scholar R. Scott Hanson researches religious diversity in the New York City neighborhood of Flushing, Queens.

Religious Rites of Passage Are Steps Toward Adulthood (26 August 2008) Bat Mitzvah Girl, by Laura Bolter

Interfaith Marriages Fairly Common in United States  (12 August 2008) Jeff Burlington and Jyoti Mahapatra blended Christian and Hindu traditions during their 2004 wedding celebrations.

Many Americans Change Religious Beliefs  (11 August 2008) Sister Edith Bogue was raised as an atheist but converted to Catholicism as an adult.

Different Faiths Team Up to Bridge Differences in New York (01 August 2008) Emmy Catedral’s interactive piece, Germinalia, was part of an exhibit at the Queens Museum of Art on religious diversity.

America’s Eastern Orthodox Communities Show Tolerance, Diversity  (06 August 2008) North America's oldest Orthodox monastery, Saint Tikhon's in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, celebrated its centennial in 2005.

One New York City Neighborhood Is a World of Religious Diversity (01 August 2008) The annual Ganesh Chaturthi parade passes through Flushing near the Kissena Jewish Center, an Orthodox synagogue.

U.S. Religious Freedom Owes Debt to Colonists’ Radical Document (01 August 2008) The Flushing Remonstrance of 1657 was a plea for religious tolerance made by colonists in Flushing, New York.

Religious Organizations Go High-Tech (01 August 2008) A technician works on the lighting system in the Lakewood Church in Houston, which seats 16,000 worshippers.

Ramadan Is Time for Getting To Know Muslims in America (05 October 2007) Imam Arafat (U.S. Embassy photo)

For U.S. Muslims, Ramadan Is Reminder To Help Local Communities (19 September 2007) Muslim girls break the fast before saying prayers at an iftar in Paterson, New Jersey. (© AP Images)

Diversity: At Worship Online Reading on Diversity Organizations That Promote Diversity Photo Gallery: America’s Religious Landscape

The United States welcomes people of every faith. While most Americans are devout, they are also tolerant of other peoples' religious beliefs. Here is a sampling of how religious diversity looks in America.