Arooj Aftab narrates Rumi at White House Eidul Fitr celebration

Brooklyn-based Grammy-winning Pakistani artist also shared a laugh with the US President, Joe Biden


Entertainment Desk May 03, 2022

US President Joe Biden delivers a speech at a reception to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the White House. Last year's White House Eid celebration was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. The said reception was also attended by Brooklyn-based Grammy winning Pakistani artist, Arooj Aftab. 

Aftab also spoke at the event. On Monday afternoon, Aftab spoke alongside US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House celebration of Eidal Fitr. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Arooj Aftab (@aroojaftab)

During her speaking portion, the Grammy-winning performer, who was born in Pakistan, read The Promise by Rumi, a 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet. Posting the moment to Instagram, Aftab jokingly captioned, “I am the president now.” Watch Aftab speak here:

US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden congratulated Muslims worldwide on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramazan.

The first day of Eid falls on Monday for most Muslim-majority nations.

"As Muslims in the United States and around the world conclude the month of Ramazan and celebrate Eidul Fitr, Jill and I extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating this joyous occasion," said Biden in a statement.

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COMMENTS (5)

Suroosh Irfani | 2 years ago | Reply Brilliant recitation of Rumis poem The Promise by Arooj Aftab. This splendid English translation of the poem is by Fatemeh Keshaverz who is from Shiraz the city of Saadi and Hafez. It would have been befitting on Aroojs part to have mentioned the translatir who made Aroojs day with this wonderful poem. Arooj could still acknowledge her debt of gratitude to Fatemeh by writing to her at the university of Maryland where Fatemeh is professor of Literature.
Agha Pasha | 2 years ago | Reply Another feather in her and Pakistan s cap .
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