On July 21st, President Obama held his first White House Eid reception, inviting Muslim Americans to celebrate the festival with him. He spent much of the event commending various contributions to American society made by Muslim Americans.
@POTUS giving tribute to Muhammad AIi at the White House Eid reception.pic.twitter.com/cAgMtAOYF2
 — @radbrowndads
For many Muslims, it was one of the first times they were recognized and celebrated, as a community, by the United States government. Many were excited about the fact that the Qur’an was being recited at the White House.
Quran recited at the White House Eid event ahead of Obama's arrival to speak. #creepingsharia #secretMuslimPOTUS :-)pic.twitter.com/F7nvt9E9sp
 — @mehdirhasan
Others were excited about Obama’s remarks, which underlined the significance of Muslims in the United States.
Muslims are as patriotic as any other members of the American family - @POTUS at White House Eid receptionpic.twitter.com/Bp9Suzzquv
 — @radbrowndads
However, some outlined the contention many Muslims felt with Obama’s welcoming attitude and his actual policies that affect Muslims worldwide, underlining the disconnect but also the gratitude for being celebrated by the American government in a time when politicians are gaining public support by using anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Many Muslims, however, saw this as a promise by the American government to work towards securing and protecting Muslim civil rights.