Eid Mubarak to You All from the Masjid al-Haram

Eid Mubarak to you all from the Masjid al-Haram

Words of Peace from the Land of Peace

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: I wish all of you a happy Eid Mubarak 2016 from the Masjid-al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen.

The Saudi Royal Court announced that Wednesday has been declared as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of fasting in Ramadan. The declaration was made by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitr comes at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2016 on Wednesday, the 6^th of July, throughout most of the countries. Muslim brothers and sisters are enjoying and celebrating their Eid on the same day in Saudi Arabia and 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 full 30 days of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and the rewards.  I am in the Haram and 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 done in the blessed month of Ramadan. 

Comfort for the Pilgrims

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, there were 5.2 million Muslim worshippers at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah during the last ten days and nights of Ramadan praying together for world peace and prosperity, Muslim unity and joyous life.

Though this year Ramadan was during the hottest months of the year in Saudi Arabia, June-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. 20/25 years ago the Haramain expansion programme taken by the former King Fahd that requires now another expansion.

The present head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques is Imam Abdul Rahman al-Sudais who has taken special care for the arrangement of the Haramain during this Ramadan. Lot of special Ramadan plan in place to ensure millions of worshippers and Umrah pilgrims was made for the comfort and welfare of the pilgrims; such as considering the increase in space thanks to the ongoing expansion Grand Mosque Expansion project of the Two Holy Mosques, allowing over 200,000 people to pray on the ground floor where water coolers were installed; the Mosque’s open areas were cooled by water and basements air-conditioned. There were 150 air-conditioners at the basement of the Haram. Wheelchairs were provided for free and electric ones were available to rent. Below the Muqabbarah (below the Azam area) was also air-conditioned where pilgrims who were in Itikaf spending their nights in Zikr and recitation and Ibadah.

Eid Messages from all over the continent

After the month-long fasting come 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.

Eid Messages from the Haramain

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Tuesday vowed to hit back with an “iron fist” at religious extremists who target the country’s youth, in a speech marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“The biggest challenge facing the Islamic nation is to preserve real wealth and hope for the future of the young who face the risk of extremism and malicious calls pushing them to abnormal behaviors and practices…” Salman said. “We will strike with an iron fist those who target the minds and thoughts and attitudes of our dear youth,” the King added.

The speech was given in Salman’s name by the information minister and carried by the official Saudi Press Agency on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr on Wednesday. The holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the holy.

The King addressed the citizens and Muslims everywhere on the occasion of blessed Eid Al-Fitr. “I wish you a happy new year and appeal to Allah Almighty to accept our fasting, worship and good deeds. We thank Allah Almighty to have graced us with the divine religion of Islam; the religion of moderation, amicability and peace. We also thank Him to have enabled the Umrah performers who made their way to the Grand Mosque (in Makkah) and the visitors who made their way to the Prophet’s Mosque (in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah) to easily and peacefully perform their rituals and to have enabled us to complete the fasting and worshipping in the holy month of Ramadan.

“Furthermore, we thank Him to have honored us to serve the two holy mosques and the worshipers. We thank Him, also, for the grace of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr as a manifestation of solidarity, kindness and sympathy among the sons (and daughters) of the Islamic nation (Muslim Ummah), an expression of their unity despite different places and languages. We appeal to Allah Almighty to complete our jubilance by clearing the clouds of dispute, difference and sedition looming over the Muslim nation and the disappearance of their ordeals and pain.”

The King, in his address, said: “The differences and sedition witnessed by the Muslim world today, necessitate that all of us exert the utmost efforts to unify our ranks and work together to solve the problems of the Muslim nation so as to achieve victory for its causes. However, the biggest obstacle and challenge facing our Muslim nation is how to keep its youths, the real wealth and hope of future, away from the dangers facing them, particularly extremism and violence and keeping them away from the followers of the misleading evil calls that cause them to behave oddly and strangely.”

King Salman said, “Such conducts contradict the upright innate character, the principles of our Islamic religion and the pillars and values of our Islamic societies. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is determined, God willing, to strike with an iron fist whoever targets the minds, ideas, thoughts and trends of our (dear) youth. The society should be aware that it is a partner of the State in its efforts and policies to counter this deviant thought, as we, all of us, follow the teachings and instructions of our Islamic religion which forbids bloodshed and makes public funds inviolable.”

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said,  “We are honored to serve Islam and stand by the Muslims , noting our position in the heart of the Muslim world, our graced role of serving Islam and supporting Muslims all over the world, particularly their legitimate causes foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.”

King Salman said: “On the eve of blessed Eid Al-Fitr, I call upon all of you to remain optimistic and hopeful on a bright and better future and a better tomorrow, thanking Allah Almighty for the hidden and visible bounties and blessings. We appeal to Him to lead us to do deeds for the good and betterment of our Ummah, to protect our country and all Muslim countries from harm and evil and have mercy on the souls of our martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their religion and nation. We also pray for mercy upon the souls of all dead Muslims. And wish all a happy new year.” — Al-Arabiya English/ SPA

Eid Messages from the American continent

US President Barack Obama has issued a message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr congratulating all Muslims around the world. In a statement posted on the website of the White House, the US President Obama said: “"Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr.

“Upon the arrival of a new crescent moon, Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the United States and around the globe.

President Obama said, “For Muslim Americans, Eid is an opportunity to reflect on the 30 days spent fasting and to recommit to values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity. In neighborhoods and homes across the world, this special occasion begins in the early hours of the day when families dress in their finest attire in preparation for prayers and festivities. Homes are decorated with ornaments and lanterns. Gifts are wrapped and envelopes of money are prepared for kids. Above all, Eid is a time to gather and celebrate with loved ones."

US President said, “Muslim Americans are as diverse as our nation itself—black, white, Latino, Asian, and Arab. Eid celebrations around the country remind us of our proud history as a nation built by people of all backgrounds, our history of religious freedom and civil liberties, and our history of innovation and strength. These legacies would not be possible without the contributions of Muslim Americans that make our country even stronger.

President Obama mentioned, “This past month, our country and the world endured challenges and senseless violence that broke our hearts and tried our souls. Our prayers are with the hundreds of innocent lives, many of them Muslim, taken during the month of Ramadan in places like Orlando, Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad, and Medina.

The American President mentioned, “Here at home, we’ve also seen a rise in attacks against Muslim Americans. No one should ever feel afraid or unsafe in their place of worship. Many Americans have shared in the experience of Ramadan by volunteering in community service efforts to assist those in need and even fasting a few days with their fellow Muslim American co-workers. In the face of hate, it’s our American values and strength that bring us together to stand in solidarity and protect one another-thereby, making our Nation stronger and safer.

The American President also said, “Muslim Americans have been part of our American family since its founding. This Eid, we recommit to protecting Muslim Americans against bigotry and xenophobia, while celebrating the contributions of Muslim Americans around the country, including one of our finest, the People’s Champion Muhammad Ali, to whom we bade farewell this Ramadan. Later this month, Michelle and I will host an Eid celebration at the White House and we look forward to welcoming Americans from around the country to celebrate the holiday.”

US President Obama concluded his Eid Message saying, “From our family to yours, Eid Mubarak!”

Eid Messages from the European continent

British Prime Minister David Cameron issued an Eid Message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr wishing the Muslim communities all over the world a very happy and peaceful Eid. In his Eid Message, British Prime Minister said: “Eid is a time for families and friends. A time for joy and happiness. As families and friends come together in celebration, I want to recognise the immense contribution that British Muslims make to our country.”

“As the presents are wrapped, the food is prepared and the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.

British Prime Minister said, “I want to send my very best wishes to Muslims at home and around the world celebrating Eid.”

David Cameron said, “I look at the things people are doing in Britain for the occasion – putting on special brunches for the lonely, giving presents out at children’s hospitals, holding street parties that will bring communities together and I see the very best of British values – of unity, of tolerance, of thinking of others before ourselves.”

“We need those values more than ever before, because we live in troubling times,” mentioned British Prime Minister.

David Cameron, M.P. also mentioned, “This last month alone, we’ve seen hatred take hold; from an airport in Istanbul, to a nightclub in Orlando, to a café in Dhaka and this week’s horrendous attack in Baghdad.”

British Prime Minister also said, “And we’ve seen it closer to home, too. Too many victims have suffered abuse and intolerance on our streets and one woman – an inspirational MP, Jo Cox – lost her life as she served her constituents.”

David Cameron, M.P. also said, “As we come together this Eid – friends, families, neighbours, colleagues – I want us to restate our commitment to the values we share, to all the things that make Britain the most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy on earth.”

British Prime Misler David Cameron concluded his Eid Message by saying, “So once again, let me wish you all the best – Eid Mubarak.”

Eid Messages from Canada

The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued on 5^th of July 2016 the following statement on Eid al-Fitr:

Canadian Prime Minister said, “Today, Muslims in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan and to give thanks for the spiritual renewal and many blessings received throughout the holy month.”

Justin Trudeau mentioned, “Eid al-Fitr is a time to strengthen family ties, renew friendships, and show compassion and humanity towards those in need both in local communities and around the world.”

He also said, “To mark this important occasion, Muslims attend special morning prayers, exchange greetings and gifts, and share a special celebratory meal - their first daytime meal in a month.”

The Canadian Prime Minister also said, “On this day, let us thank Canada’s vibrant Muslim community for its tremendous contributions to the shaping and building of our great nation. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and a source of pride.”

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Canada and around the world,” said the Canadian Prime Minister.

“Eid Mubarak!”

Eid Messages from Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef

I had also the opportunity to interview the great Dawah worker, the scientist, the educationalist, the leading player of social welfare and interfaith dialogue, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, the former President of the Jeddah-based King Abdulaziz University and the present Secretary General of the Cairo-based International Islamic Council for Dawah and Relief (IICDR). He wants to convey his Eid Message to the Muslims all over the world. Dr. Naseef said in his message: “The Ummah is still in a very miserable situation and we hope that in every Ramadan change will come through people spend their time worshipping Allah Subhanahu wa Taa’la with concentration but we don’t lose hope we should belief more to Allah the Almighty.”

“At one time He (Allah the Almighty) will give the people and they will come out from their misery and difficulties. But usually during this time of the year I advice people to keep in mind that Ramadan has gone but Allah is there and we have to be the same; i.e. we should worship Him with the same intensity and concentration as we did in Ramadan. So the number of people who will do that will increase; will be more than usual and I hope that the Ummah will face a huge new life style after Ramadan,” said Dr. Naseef, the President of the World Muslim Congress (Motamar al-Alam Al-Islami) and added, “This is our hope and Allah Subhanahu wa Taa’la is Great.  He will grant us the guidance; sustenance, patience and also strong will to continue, Insha Allah, towards His Orders and Commandments and the Traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).”

Makkah al-Mukarramah

6^th of July 2016