An Amazing Melting Pot of Religions and Faiths

"I would say that I'm a respectful, liberal Muslim."

It's hard for many Americans to grasp the idea that Muslims can be "spiritual but not religious."

That's one-hundred-percent true. If you look at the Miss Universe pageant, let's not forget that Miss Lebanon, Miss Egypt, Miss Albania, Miss Turkey, and other countries, are all Muslim. In Lebanon, Miss Lebanon is looked at with utmost respect. Sometimes they extend [the pageant] to two weeks, making it a reality show. Beirut has some of the best nightclubs and casinos and resorts . . . the majority of Lebanese who are Muslim are very liberal. It's only in the villages that you will find conservatives, and it's a very small part of Lebanon.

So if someone asks you, What kind of Muslim are you, how do you respond?

I would say that I'm a respectful, liberal Muslim.

Many press reports have highlighted the fact that you and your extended family celebrate both Muslim and Christian holidays, that a Quran and a Bible sit side by side in the family home in Lebanon. Can you tell me more about that? What is Christmas like in the Fakih family?

Who said that?

The quote about the Quran and the Bible?

Yeah.

The statement was made in a Foreign Policy article.

Like I said, my family is a multi-religious family. We have different religions. Yes, I'm Muslim, but we do celebrate Easter, we celebrate Christmas, and we celebrate Ramadan as well. So therefore, my point is, we're Muslim but we're respectful and we acknowledge the Christian faith. (I did go to a Catholic high school.)

But I'm Miss USA, I'm not Miss Religion USA.

"My family is just an amazing melting pot of wonderful religions and faiths."

What message would you like Americans to hear when it comes to understanding you, your beliefs, your background, who you are?

I'd like to say that I'm a proud American. I'm a proud American Lebanese. And I'm an individual that respects all religions and is not defined by religion.

Final question: what do you hope to accomplish this year as Miss USA?

I hope to raise awareness for breast and ovarian cancer and also to raise the support of many Americans when I go to Miss Universe, which is August 23^rd at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Thank you for your time, Rima.

Thank you.