Canadian PM Trudeau wishes ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to Muslims, stresses inclusiveness

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wished Muslims in Canada and worldwide ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ in a video message, as the Muslims around the world mark the start of the holy month.

“Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for the Muslim community, and commemorates the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“The month-long journey of fasting and prayer encourages spiritual growth, reflection, and compassion for those who are less fortunate,” he said.

Trudeau, who talks about pluralism and the need to defeat racism in Canada, wished Muslims last Ramazan too. “Ramadan is also a time of community, when Muslims gather with family and friends to pray and share iftar, the evening meal. For all of us, Ramadan is a reminder to appreciate the many gifts we are given, and to give generously to others, in our communities and around the world,” he says in his message.

The Canadian prime minister stressed the importance to “honour the many cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make Canada such a wonderful place to live,” saying that the Muslim community in the country “help make Canada the strong, diverse, and inclusive country it is today”.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities here in Canada and around the world,” he says.

In a stark contrast, US president’s Ramazan message revolved mostly around talkig about terrorism/

“America will always stand with our partners against terrorism and the ideology that fuels it. During this month of Ramazan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace,” Trump said.

Trump’s statement was also unlike Ramazan greetings released in previous years by President Barack Obama, who spoke about celebrating and honouring the contributions of Muslims to American society.

“As Muslim Americans celebrate the holy month, I am reminded that we are one American family,” Obama wrote in his 2016 statement for Ramazan. “I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights.”