U.S. president Barack Obama congratulates Muslims on holy month of Ramadan

"All of these efforts are part of America's commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect," Obama said in the message posted on the White House Web site.

"And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world."

Obama said Ramadan's rituals are a reminder of the principles Muslims and Christians have in common, including advancing justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

In that speech, as well as in one to another important Muslim audience, in Turkey, Obama said: "America is not — and never will be — at war with Islam."