United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has said America is strengthened by hundreds of Muslims across our government.
He spoke on Tuesday at a reception to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in Washington DC.
“So as you all know better than anyone, 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. Our nation is strengthened by the contributions of hundreds of Muslim Americans across our 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,” Blinken said.
He said the world is filled with exemplary Muslims 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, governments 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,” he said.
He went on: “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. (Applause.)
“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.the se
“The United States is proud to support these efforts and others, and we will continue to work with our Muslim partners and allies to tackle the challenges of our time, the responsibilities that we all share. That includes fighting for the rights of many people around the world who simply cannot freely or safely practice their faiths. We’re standing up for those who face persecution, for peacefully worshiping, those who are vilified for being part of a religious minority, those who face real threats to their safety, for choosing not to observe a faith at all.”
Blinken added that the International Religious Freedom, led by Ambassador Hussain, works with partner countries and civil society to advance religious freedom and drive progress on tackling global health to climate change.
Freedom of religion, he said, is a fundamental human right.
“And our government 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,” he said.
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