Biden pledge in EID message

In a message released by the White House, US President Joe Biden urged everyone to recommit themselves to building peace and standing up for the rights and dignity of all people as they celebrate Eid. He also emphasized his administration's commitment to addressing all forms of hate, including Islamophobia, by establishing an inter-agency task force with senior government officials.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken focused on remembering those who are unable to celebrate Eid in the safety and comfort of their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or humanitarian crises. He assured those separated from their loved ones that the US would continue to work to reunite broken families and promote peace, justice, and religious freedom for all.

Both Biden and Blinken acknowledged the generosity shown by Muslims during Ramazan and Eid when they provide food and give charity to those in need. The US president also expressed pride in celebrating Eidul Fitr at the White House to honour inspiring Muslim Americans who are making contributions across the country. Notably, the United Nations observed the first International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, an initiative proposed by Pakistan.

As we celebrate our blessings this Eid, let us also recommit ourselves to the timeless work of building peace and standing up for the rights and dignity of all people," he said.

"My Administration is also committed to addressing all forms of hate, including Islamophobia. This is why I established an interagency task force with senior government officials to tackle this and related challenges and encourage every American to build a more inclusive nation," he added.

He said that they will celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the White House again this year to "honor inspiring Muslim Americans who are making contributions across our country.”

"To all celebrating, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak!" he added.

ccording to the World Population Review, Islam is the third-largest religion in the United States after Christianity and Judaism. There are a total of 3.5 million Muslims in the United States, comprising about 1.1 percent of the total US population.

American Muslims are one of the most racially diverse religious groups in the US with no majority race, split as 25 percent black, 24 percent white, 18 percent Asian, 18 percent Arab, seven percent mixed race, and five percent Hispanic.

“I am glad that this Eid, I will not have to rush back to work after Eid prayers,” said Bushra Majeed, a high school teacher in Virginia’s Fairfax county, which recognised Eid this year as a school holiday.

“I will celebrate it with my family. Eid is now recognised in public schools in three Florida counties. The Miami-Dade county recognised Eidul Fitr in its 2023-24 school calendar as a teacher planning day in which no students will be in school.

Florida’s Palm Beach county approved academic calendars last summer that included days off in April 2024 and March 2025 to celebrate Eidul Fitr.

"Eid is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the shared values which bind us together, particularly your compassion and dedication to contribute to charity and philanthropy," he said in a statement.

"This was evident earlier this year, through the community's outstanding response to support the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria."

Paying tribute to the "incredible" contribution the Muslim community makes to the country, he said: "Whether it be in business, sports, media, our public services, or of course our NHS (National Health Service) and armed forces, British Muslims are helping to make the country the success it is."

"Eid Mubarak to everyone observing it today," he said, adding that he looks forward to welcoming representatives from the British Muslim community to Downing Street to celebrate.