White House hosts Iftar party

Washington

 US President Barack Obama praised Muslim-Americans for their contributions in the development of the country, by saying that Islam has contributed to the character of America.

 As he hosted an Iftar party at the White House to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, Obama said a key part of US’ engagement with Muslim communities around the world supports economic opportunities and entrepreneurship.

 "Every day, Muslim Americans are helping to shape the way that we think and the way that we work and the way that we do business. And that's the spirit that we celebrate tonight - the dreamers, the creators whose ideas are pioneering new industries, creating new jobs and unleashing new opportunities for all of us," Obama said.

 Addressing the gathering, he said that Ramadan is "a time of reflection, a chance to demonstrate ones devotion to God through prayer and through fasting, but it's also a time for family and friends to come together.”

 Noting that White House has a tradition to celebrate sacred days of various faiths, Obama said last evening these occasions celebrate diversity that defines the country.

 "Throughout our history, Islam has contributed to the character of our country, and Muslim-Americans, and their good works, have helped to build our nation - and we've seen the results. We've seen those results in generations of Muslim immigrants - farmers and factory workers, helping to lay the railroads and build our cities," he said.

 Muslim innovators who helped build some of the highest skyscrapers and who helped to unlock the secrets of the universe, he said and singled out three Muslim-Americans for their entrepreneurship.