U.S. President Bush Thursday removed his shoes, entered a mosque and praised Islam for inspiring "countless individuals to lead lives of honesty, integrity, and morality."
For the second time since the September 11 attacks, the American leader visited Washington's oldest mosque, the Islamic Center, where Muslims from 75 nations gather to worship. Bush marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan by praising Islam as a hopeful religion of mercy and tolerance.
"Islam affirms God's justice and insists on man's moral responsibility," said the president. "Islam gave birth to a rich civilization of learning that has benefited mankind."
Bush also hailed American Muslims for "upholding our nation's ideals of liberty and justice in a world at peace." "Millions of our fellow Americans practice the Muslim faith," said Mr. Bush, a born-again Christian. "They lead lives of honesty and justice and compassion." (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
