President Bush recognizes that terrorists are not Muslims. Maybe he didn’t get the memo the first time it was circulated. At the recent Ramadan iftar dinner at the White House on October 5, 2007, Mr. Bush mentioned that violent extremists are not Muslim.

“They attack holy sites, destroy mosques and minarets, and kill innocent men, women and children — including Muslims who do not share their radical views,” he said. “They believe that by spreading chaos and violence, they can frustrate the desire of Muslims to live in freedom and peace.
“We say to them: ‘You don’t represent Muslims. You do not represent Islam, and you will not succeed,’” Bush said.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Abuhena M. Saifulislam, a chaplain with the US Navy and present at the iftar dinner, informed Mr. Bush of the hadith that those who invite others to break the fast receive the same reward as those who are fasting. Imam Saifulislam told Bush that the Muslims have got him “covered”.

The menu was not your typical iftar fare: Squash soup with lavash, spiced rack of lamb; cucumber-tomato salad with minted yogurt dressing, and baklava with pomegranate for dessert. We were hoping for some briyani, mee rebus, spicy chicken wings, satay, tagine and some other popular iftar choices. We didn’t get a chance to try to the dessert, though*.

We would like to add 2 IslamCrunch side notes:

• The Muslims will guard and protect all those who are righteous and just.
• Where are all the kufis (Islamic headgear for males) in the White House?

Photo credit: Chris Greenberg

Official Press Release: Bush Calls Ramadan Time to Unite in Confronting Extremism

Decent Commentary: Bush dines with Muslims, ‘covered’ by blessing

* = Of course we didn’t get to try the dessert… we were not there!