[trumandogz]

I wonder if this is the first time a president has ever issued a Eid-ul-Adha message?

[mylife]

No.

I’m sure GWB did too. But not with this zeal or embrace.

[AdamsPapers]

Bush also sent Eid greetings. Didn’t like it then eider! (either)

[mass55th]

"I wonder if this is the first time a president has ever issued a Eid-ul-Adha message?"

I googled this for Bush and found that he issued a message in 2007. He may have done it even before then. For the 2007 message I found a link to Jihad Watch which posted an article criticizing Bush's comments about Abraham.

Bush Message and Negative Response

A quote from Bush's statement says:

"These four days are a time for Muslims to honour Abraham's obedience by celebrating with family and friends and showing gratitude for the many blessings bestowed by God."

Obama's message says:

"During Hajj, the world’s largest and most diverse gathering, three million Muslims from all walks of life – including thousands of American Muslims – will stand in prayer on Mount Arafat. The following day, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and distribute food to the less fortunate to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son out of obedience to God."

Can anyone tell me if there is any real difference between the two comments? I'm waiting to see if Obama's statement meets with the same contempt from Jihad Watch and the rest of the Muslim world as Bush's comment did. Not holding my breath.

[mass55th]

I mistakenly attributed the article to Jihad Watch. It was actually taken from the the adnkronos.com site for comment. Jihad Watch are the good guys!! My bad!!

[MadIsh32]

“I wonder if this is the first time a president has ever issued a Eid-ul-Adha message?”

No

http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Religion/?id=1.0.1687350995

Washington, 19 Dec. (AKI) - United States president George W. Bush on Wednesday sent a message of goodwill to Muslims worldwide at the start of the major Muslim Eid al-Adha festival of sacrifice.

“During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world reflect on Abraham’s unwavering faith and his trust in God when asked to sacrifice his son,” Bush said in the message.

“These four days are a time for Muslims to honour Abraham’s obedience by celebrating with family and friends and showing gratitude for the many blessings bestowed by God.

“This holiday also helps ensure the important values of compassion and devotion are passed on to future generations,” the message continued.

Bush also paid tribute to the role played by Muslims in America, saying they “enriched” multicultural US society.

“The kindness, generosity, and goodwill displayed by American Muslims during this special occasion and throughout the year have contributed to the strength and vitality of our Nation,” the message stated.

“May all those observing Eid al-Adha find love and warmth during this joyous holiday. Laura and I send our best wishes for a memorable celebration,” the message ended.

Eid al-Adha, which lasts through Saturday, is one of the most important Muslim holidays. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to Allah.

The festival begins the day after the millions of foreign pilgrims making the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia descend from Mount Arafat

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=45753

Warm greetings to Muslims across the United States as you celebrate the Eid alAdha holiday and join in spirit with the millions gathered in Mecca to uphold the traditions of one of your most sacred feasts.

America was built on a strong spiritual foundation, and the celebration of faith is central to our lives. As you celebrate the annual Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, you honor the great sacrifice and devotion of Abraham as recognized by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. By educating others about your religious traditions, you enrich the lives of others in your local communities.

The variety of nations and cultures represented by those who travel to Mecca each year, and the varied ways in which Muslims contribute to American life across the United States, are powerful reminders that ethnic and racial differences need not divide us when we share common values and purposes. By building strong foundations of mutual respect, we can achieve peace and reconciliation in our world.

Laura joins me in sending best wishes for a joyous holiday celebration.

GEORGE W. BUSH