Obama wishes Muslims happy Eid

President Barack Obama wished Muslims well for the feast of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In the United States, Saturday was considered the 30th and final day of the dawn-to-dusk month of fasting this year, and Sunday will mark the start of the feast. "Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "For Muslims, Ramadan has been a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. These past four weeks have also been a time to serve the less fortunate -- a reminder of the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other." Wishing Muslims across the United States and around the world "Eid mubarak" (happy holiday), Obama said the celebrations in America speak to "the truth that communities of faith -- including Muslim Americans -- enrich our national life, strengthen our democracy and uphold our freedoms, including the freedom of religion." "That is why we stand with people of all faiths, in the United States and around the world, in protecting and advancing this universal human right," he added.