Free Republic

MECCA, Saudi Arabia -- Draped in white robes to symbolize purity and the equality of mankind under God, nearly 3 million Muslims from all over the world gathered Friday in Mecca, on the eve of the start of the annual hajj pilgrimage. Male pilgrims, wearing two-piece seamless white robes, and women, covered head to foot except for their hands and faces, circled the sacred Kaaba stone structure seven times inside the Grand Mosque, which Muslims face during their five daily prayers. A pillar of the Muslim faith, the hajj is packed with symbolism and ritual aimed at cleansing the soul...

Remarks by the President at Event Commemorating End of Ramadan THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release January 10, 2000 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT EVENT COMMEMORATING END OF RAMADAN Presidential Hall 11:30 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much, Eid Mubarak, and welcome to the White House. N'Imah Saleem, you did a fine job for a 14-year-old, or a 24-year-old, or a 44-year-old. I thought she was terrific. Thank you very much, thank you. (Applause.) And, Imam Hendi, thank you so much for your words, your prayer, and for serving as the...