Eid Mubarak from Leaders of Four Continents

Eid Mubarak to you all from

Leaders of four continents

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia declared Sunday as the last day of the holy month of Ramadan 2014 and Monday, 28 July, as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr. A statement by the Saudi Royal Court, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said that the highest court made the decision in a meeting at its headquarters in the city of Taif after having verified a number of evidence from adult witnesses from different parts of the country, who reported that they have eye-sighted the new moon of the month of Shawwal 1435 in the Islamic calendar.

Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitr came at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2014 on Monday, the 28^th of July, throughout most of the countries. The American continent, the European Continent, South Africa and the Middle East almost all declared Monday, the 28^th of July as the Eid day. Muslim brothers and sisters are enjoying and celebrating their Eid on the same day in Saudi Arabia, America, Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom and other places.

It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid Mubarak and good wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the occasion of the celebration of the Eid after the conclusion of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and the rewards.  I would like to pray to Allah the Almighty for myself and for you all, May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept our fasting, our prayers, our worship and all our good deeds in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Eid-ul-Fitr

After a month-long fasting comes the most auspicious and happy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr when Eid messages are sent all over the world from the leaders and heads of states of the Muslim world as well as the Muslim minority countries, especially from the Asian, European, American and the African continents.

When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received revelation from Allah the Almighty, at the very first day only two members from his family, one woman, his wife Khadijah and a young boy, Ali, believed him and immediately embraced the religion, Islam and now there are more than 1.6 billion Muslims throughout the world and all over the continents believed in the Oneness of God (Tawheed) and followed Islam. This year, over three million Muslim worshippers beseeched Allah the Almighty to pardon their sins, ensure paradise for them, prosperity and global peace. Taking part in the Khatmul Qur’an, completion of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an in Taraweeh (late night prayers), in the 29th night of Ramadan, the devout thronged the Two Holy Mosques hours before the beginning of the prayer. In Madinah, over 0ne million worshippers thronged the Prophet’s mosque. The roofs and courtyards of the Mosque were full of worshippers.  

Though this year Ramadan was during the longest hours of the year and in the longest Summer days in the United Kingdom, in July, the arrangement was made to keep both the Masjid al-Haram and its courtyard and the surroundings cooler. Worshippers enjoyed the coolness through the water cooler spraying cool waters.

The pilgrims felt the necessity and understood the demands of the expansion of the area of the Haramain in order to accommodate the ever increasing number of worshippers. I also personally felt how important it is to expand and develop the praying area of the Haramain with the rising numbers of the visitors. 30 years ago the Haramain expansion programme taken by the former King Fahd that requires now another expansion.

Eid Messages from all over the continent

After the month-long fasting comes the Eid-ul-Fitr and leaders and heads of states from all over the continents sent Eid Messages, the messages of peace and happiness and prosperity.

ASIAN CONTINENT

Eid Messages from the Haramain

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan on Sunday. On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the king said: “Eid brings joy to the hearts of Muslims after having engaged in worship during the month of Ramadan,” he said. “Allah will reward Muslims who have abstained from indulgence,” he said.

The king’s speech was issued by Culture and Information Minister Abdulaziz Khoja. King Abdullah said: “The Muslim nation is facing tough realities as a result of conflict and fanatic rhetoric. The enemies of Islam have preyed on groups who have become easy tools for killing innocent people through perverting the essence of Islamic law to serve their goals and personal interests.”

He said: “It is our duty to advise victims of terrorist brainwashing and will take an affirmative stance against terrorism,” he said.

“The Muslim Ummah should steadfastly strive to defeat the forces who are maligning the noble and kind image of Islam and harming the believers and their sons,” the King said.

“We will prevent anyone who seeks to hinder national security while affirming our commitment to protecting the Kingdom, its interests, territorial integrity, unity and stability among our people, our guests and our residents.”

King Abdullah said: “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said engaging in acts of worship, such as fasting and reciting the Qur’an, will tip the scales in favour of Muslims on the Day of Judgment. These acts will undoubtedly bear witness to your sincerity and good deeds.”

The king added: “I congratulate you all on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr from the land of the Two Holy Mosques, where Allah bestowed this blessed country with stability, security and unity under the testament of faith.”

“Saudi Arabia was inspired by the great religion of Islam, calling for the rejection of extremism and supporting a moderate stance in every sphere of life,” the king pointed out.

Eid Messages from the American continent

US President Barack Obama has issued a statement on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan by crediting Muslims with strengthening democratic fibre of the United States. In a statement posted on the website of the White House, the US President Obama said: "For Muslims, Ramadan has been a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. These past four weeks have also been a time to serve the less fortunate - a reminder of the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other.”

“This last month has been a time of fasting, reflection, spiritual renewal, and service to the less fortunate. While Eid marks the completion of Ramadan, it also celebrates the common values that unite us in our humanity and reinforces the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other, especially those impacted by poverty, conflict, and disease,” Obama said in a statement.

“In the United States, Eid also reminds us of the many achievements and contributions of Muslim Americans to building the very fabric of our nation and strengthening the core of our democracy. That is why we stand with people of all faiths, here at home and around the world, to protect and advance their rights to prosper, and we welcome their commitment to giving back to their communities,” the president continued.

President Obama concluded by saying, “On behalf of the Administration, we wish Muslims in the United States and around the world a blessed and joyous celebration. Eid Mubarak.”

In this connection, it may be mentioned that President Obama did not have any Eid events on his schedule. Bridget Johnson, a career journalist and Washington Editor for PJ Media, wrote, “Two weeks ago, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee encouraged Muslims to boycott Obama’s Iftar dinner at the White House in celebration of Ramadan, citing the administration’s support for Israel.

In a statement, the committee aid the “deplorable situation” in Gaza, “brought on by Israel’s U.S.-sanctioned illegal occupation of Palestine, has received no direct action from President Obama.”

“The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will not be attending this year’s government iftars and calls upon members of the Arab and Muslim communities to join us in the boycott, including tonight’s White House Iftar hosted by President Barack Obama, given the government’s condoning of the current slaughter of Palestinians in Palestine and the spying of American Arabs and Muslims domestically,” the group said in a statement.

“In the government’s silence, Israel is committing a massacre in Palestine with the possibility of an all-out ground assault. Our American tax dollars have contributed to over 100 civilian casualties as of Monday morning, of which 70% are estimated by the United Nations to be women and children,” continued the statement.

Bridget Johnson also mentioned, “The ADC cited recent reporting from Glenn Greenwald that revealed “the government’s indiscriminate and ongoing criminalization of the community” through NSA spying on some Arab and Muslim community leaders.”

Prime Minister of Canada’s Eid Message

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued on 28 July 2014 from Ottawa, Ontario, the following statement to mark Eid-al-Fitr. He said, “Laureen and I would like to extend warm greetings to Muslims in Canada and around the world as they gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.”

“On this important occasion, Muslims gather with family and friends to celebrate the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast over a period of three days to give thanks for the spiritual renewal and blessings acquired over the past month. Eid al-Fitr is also a time of almsgiving towards those who are less fortunate than us, and when greetings and gifts are exchanged,” said Canadian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister of Canada also mentioned, “Our country is home to more than one million Muslims, who play an important role in the shaping and building of the free, prosperous and peaceful pluralistic society that Canada is today.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer best wishes for health and happiness to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak!” Canadian Prime Minister concluded his Eid message.

Eid Messages from the European continent

British Prime Minister David Cameron issued an Eid Message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr sending “his best wishes to Muslims across the country and around the world celebrating Eid”.

“This Ramadan, British Muslims have shown what Islam is all about,” he said.

In his Eid Message, British Prime Minister said, “We’ve seen an inspiring amount of charity with Muslims across the country giving what they can and giving up their own time for those less fortunate. We’ve seen a commitment to contemplation and Muslims have been putting themselves second as they pray, abstain and fast during the holy month.”

“Third, we’ve seen a commitment to community and once again this year British Muslims have opened their doors to those of all backgrounds as part of the Big Iftar, breaking bread and breaking down barriers in mosques, in community centres, in parks – even at a synagogue in north London,” Prime Minister Cameron mentioned.

.
Mr. Cameron said, “It’s been a challenging month – especially during those long summer days. So it is fantastic to see so many British Muslims – and those of other faiths and none – come together to celebrate at this special time.”

British Prime Minister concluded his Eid message by saying, “Once again, to everyone who is celebrating: Eid Mubarak.”

Leader, Labour Party, Ed Miliband, M.P.’s Eid Message

In his Eid Message, leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband said, “On behalf of the Labour Party, I would like to wish all Muslims in Britain and across the world, Eid Mubarak.”

“I hope that you had a peaceful Ramadan, and that you had the opportunity to spend valuable time with your friends and families. Eid-Ul-Fitr is an occasion for Muslims to celebrate the end of the Holy month, and their renewed closeness to God through reflection, spirituality, and charitable giving,” he said.

.
Leader of the Labour Party mentioned in his Eid Message, “Muslims play an essential part in modern day British life, and are a core group who enrich our multicultural society. I respect and admire the contribution that Muslims make to our country. From the vibrant cultures stemming from rich traditions, to the successes of Muslims across all sectors including the economy and in business.”

Mr. Miliband said, “Islam is a religion which prides itself on its values such as commitment to peace, love, and prosperity for all. These are values which as a party we endeavour to embody. I would like to thank British Muslims for the hard work they do in their local communities.”

“The Labour Party is proud to have enshrined freedom of religion into British law. We will continue to make sure members of all faith communities are able to practice freely, co-operatively and peacefully,” he said.

Labour Party leader concluded his Eid message by saying, “I hope all readers of The Muslims News have a joyous Eid celebration. Eid Mubarak!”

British Foreign Secretary's Eid message

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, M.P. sends his best wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid across the world. He said, “I would like to send my warmest wishes to Muslims in Britain and across the world as they and their families celebrate this holy festival.”

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said, “The Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr marks a time of celebration and coming together by Muslims around the world. This is a special time for millions of people of all nationalities and backgrounds, highlighting the diversity and reach of Islam as a global religion.”

Mr. Hammond said, “At this time we must also offer our thoughts and prayers to civilians who are caught up in conflicts, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Iraq.”

“With these reflections I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid Mubarak,” UK Foreign Secretary concluded his Eid Message.

Eid Messages from the African continent

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has appealed for Somali people to maintain peace and rebuild the country as the first day of Eidul Fitr started. Giving his nation address on the Eidul Fitr occasion at the State House in Mogadishu on Monday (28 July) shortly after the Eid Prayers ended, Prime Minister Abdiweli said he would call all Somalis to join into the peace efforts made by the government and agree to an end of the chronic violence in the country.

“I would say let us take avail of these valuable days of happiness and celebrations to put our efforts to gain peace and prosperity, and stop violence and let us forgive among us,” he said.

“These are Eid days, they are days of helping each other, we must not forget our brothers and sisters who can not afford anything to eat or drink,” the Prime Minister said calling the business people to help the most poor families.

Picture: Three Millions of faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday, the 27th of Ramadan, to perform Umrah and attend the last Friday prayers of the holy month. (@AN photo by Ahmad Hashad)

30^th of July 2014

Three Millions of faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday, the 27th of Ramadan, to perform Umrah and attend the last Friday prayers of the holy month. (@AN photo by Ahmad Hashad)