WASHINGTON, Oct 17: US President George W. Bush used the annual White House Ramazan dinner for praising Islam as a religion ‘that brings hope and comfort’ for over a billion people.

In a speech on Monday at the iftar, attended by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as well as Arab and Muslim ambassadors, Mr Bush also honoured the Muslims living in the US and Islamic countries that are helping in the war against terror.

“Islam has transcended racial and ethnic divisions,” he said. “It has given birth to a rich culture of learning and literature and science. And tonight, we honour the traditions of a great faith by hosting the iftar here at the White House.”

Mr Bush singled out paramedic Farooq Mohammed, a Pakistani residing in Brooklyn who treated victims at the World Trade Centre and recently travelled to Pakistan to help earthquake victims.

He said Farooq ‘narrowly escaped death’ while treating victims when the towers collapsed.

“Farooq’s courage and compassion represent the best of the American spirit,” he said.

“The United States also appreciates the many Muslim nations who stand with us in the war on terror. You know that the majority of the victims of the terrorists have been innocent Muslims,” he said.

“We are proud to work with you to defeat the terrorists and extremists, and help bring a brighter future to millions of Muslim people throughout the world who yearn for moderation and peace,” he said. “We honour the many Islamic nations that America is proud to call friends. And we renew the ties of friendship that should bind all who trace their faith back to God’s call on Abraham.”

The US president has hosted an iftar dinner annually for the last six years in the State Dining Room. This year, he opened with the traditional Ramazan greetings and reminded Muslims that the terrorists were as much against them as against the followers of any other religion.

“You know that the majority of the victims of the terrorists have been innocent Muslims, and many of you have seen terrorist violence in your own cities and your streets,” he said.

He urged the Muslims and people of other faiths to take the spirit of the holy month of Ramazan to enforce religious freedom worldwide.

“For people of all faiths, it is a good time to reflect on the values we hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to God, the importance of community, and a commitment to tolerance and religious freedom,” he said.

Praising the Muslim community in America, Mr Bush told the audience that the US, home of about three million Muslims, had become a nation more hopeful because of the talents, generosity and compassion of the Muslim citizens.

Also in attendance were military veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, New York city police officers and an EMT worker who responded to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.