United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has assured that the country will continue to work with Muslim partners and allies to tackle the challenges that includes fighting for the rights of many people around the world who simply cannot freely or safely practice their faiths.
Blinken gave the assurance during the first Eid reception in Washington DC on Tuesday, he said that the US is standing up for those faced with persecution for worshiping, vilified for being part of a religious minority, and for choosing not to observe a faith at all.
According to him, “For us, freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, one foundational to the creation of our country. And our govt is committed to supporting the right of every person – every person – to worship as they choose.
“We’re equally committed to standing against discrimination and affirming every Muslim American’s place as a full member of American society.
“The leaders in this room reflect the reality that Muslim Americans are a vital part of the fabric of this country. With us this afternoon: doctors, scientists, writers, poets, leaders tackling virtually every vital issue that our society has to tackle and confront”, Secretary said.
He noted that Eid is a time of spiritual renewal, an opportunity to reflect on a month of fasting and prayer, and to recommit – recommit to values at the heart of Islam: compassion, empathy, service, charity, gratitude, generosity.
Blinken added that the nation is strengthened by the contributions of hundreds of Muslim Americans across the government, including at the State Department.
“We know – I know profoundly – that our diversity – it’s a cliché, but it is so profoundly true: our diversity is our greatest strength in the world, and we’re putting it to use to serve American interests and values.
“We are operating in an extraordinarily diverse world. If we were to leave our own diversity on the sidelines, we’d be shortchanging ourselves, shortchanging our foreign policy, shortchanging the country. We’re determined not to do that”.
US Secretary applauded some examples of Muslims living out the values that the celebration is all about, showing compassion for the vulnerable, showing a commitment to justice, showing a commitment to the pursuit of peace.
“When a devastating earthquake hit Türkiye and Syria just a couple of months ago in February, govts stepped up to build shelters, to dispatch search and rescue teams.
“NGOs like the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement, Islamic Relief USA, provided lifesaving equipment, humanitarian assistance, food, water, clothing, medicine.
“We saw people coming together in an hour of profound need for so many of our fellow human beings.
“When the Taliban enacted restrictive bans on higher education for women, governments from across the Muslim world spoke up to condemn the Taliban’s decision, arguing that their actions were inhumane and contrary to Islamic beliefs.
“Scholars of Islamic law weighed in to condemn the Taliban’s actions, too, noting that the Quran gives the right to education to women and men alike.
“And in Sudan, which has occupied our minds and focus recently, Arab countries as well as regional and international partners across Africa are providing aid and helping secure an immediate end to the conflict”, he acknowledged.
Blinken urged Muslim around the world to simply put their reflect so much of the spirit of Eid, the desire to serve, compassion for the newcomer, a commitment to building a community. “And you are, as we would say, paying it forward in a very profound way”, he said.