The White House administration opted not to host an iftar dinner this Ramadan, breaking a tradition that can be traced to the early 19th century.
Hosting a dinner in Ramadan has been a striking move of solidarity with the Muslims, with the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations spending months to prepare it.
But on Saturday evening, the White House merely issued a statement, reports
the Independent.
"Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity," the statement read. "Now, as they commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of helping neighbours and breaking bread with people from all walks of life.
"During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion, and goodwill. With Muslims around the world, the United States renews our commitment to honour these values. Eid Mubarak."
Earlier this year, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly said the government would not host the iftar dinner. He also issued a statement on Saturday, which read, "This holiday marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month in which many experience meaning and inspiration in acts of fasting, prayer, and charity.
Also Read- Tillerson declines to host Ramadan event at State Department
"This day offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared commitment to building peaceful and prosperous communities. Eid Mubarak."
The brief statements provide a stark contrast to the holiday message issued by former President Barack Obama, who warned against the “rise in attacks against Muslim Americans”.
"Muslim Americans have been part of our American family since its founding," he added.
The tradition that goes back 200 years
The earliest instance of the iftar dinner can be traced back to 1805, when Thomas Jefferson, the president at the White House, hosted ifar in honour of the visiting Tunisian ambassador Sidi Soliman Mellimelli during the American conflict with what were known as the Barbary States.
"Dinner will be on the table precisely at sun-set – " the invitation read. "The favour of an answer is asked."
John Quincy Adams noted in his diaries that the dinner was served late in the evening as it was "in the midst of Ramadan."
The nature of the dinner has divided opinion over the last two centuries, with far-right critics insisting the dinner was only moved back as a “courtesy” and that the menu was not changed for the guests.
Regardless of what is served at the meal, anyone present at the dinner who is breaking their fast means an iftar is being held.
Annual iftar dinners at the White House
It became an annual tradition in 1996 with Hillary Clinton hosted 150 guests at the White House. Hillary was inspired by her daughter Chelsea, who reportedly studied Islamic history in school, as reported by Muslim Voices.
Even President George W Bush hosted the dinner every year for his two terms, including just after the 9/11 attacks. He said at the dinner that the fight was against terrorism, not Islam.
American Muslims might have been hoping for the dinner to be held at the White House this year as a symbol of unity after a spike in hate crimes against the community, the highest level since 2001.
Trump has been strongly criticised for his proposal in December 2015 to ban Muslims from entering the US and also for his executive order as President to temporarily ban all immigration and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries. The order, later revised, was knocked down by federal courts.
