Statement by the Press Secretary: President Clinton Meets with Local Muslim Leaders

President Clinton today met with local Muslim leaders honoring the holy month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and study the Qur'an.

Imam Yahia Hendi, the first Muslim chaplain of the President's alma mater, Georgetown University, presented the President with a framed quotation from the Qur'an on behalf of the group. The quotation, often cited by President Clinton, reads:

"All mankind; I created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other, not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of the Almighty God is the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things."