Eid Mubarak to you all from Masjid al-Haram

Eid Mubarak to you all from the
Masjid al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen

Dr. Mozammel Haque

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

The Saudi Royal Court announced that Tuesday 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 after a number of people sighted the Shawwal crescent. Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitr comes at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2011 on Tuesday, the 30th of August, 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. The Supreme Court congratulated King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, the royal family and all other Saudis and residents on the happy occasion.

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 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.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Tuesday morning at big mosques and vast grounds in Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers.

On Monday, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan sent cables of congratulations to heads of Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. King Abdullah received calls from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. They exchanged Eid greetings.

Earlier on Monday, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah expressed his confidence that peace and stability would prevail all over the Islamic world. He also urged Muslims to uphold the values of tolerance, justice and compassion.

In a joint Eid-Al-Fitr message to the nation with Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence and Aviation, King Abdullah underlined the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, read out on Saudi Arabian Television and Saudi radio by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan urged the Saudi people to strengthen their unity and solidarity, by cooperating with each other and showing compassion to one another.

“The holy month of Ramadan was instrumental in strengthening our bond with God and improving relations between the rich and poor. It generated the values of tolerance and compassion and brought peace and happiness to our minds,” the king said.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr. “It strengthens our commitment to the Shari’ah and boosts cooperation and cohesion in our society,” their statement said.

The King and the Crown Prince prayed for the betterment of situation in the Arab and Islamic world. “God may help the Islamic nation to overcome the present tests and tribulations. May Allah make the Eid an opportunity for them to overcome pains and accomplish their hopes and aspirations,” the message said. They also prayed for the prevalence of peace and stability all over the world.

Worldwide celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr
More than 1.6 billion Muslims throughout the world, in every continent, are celebrating the successful completion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and Allah the Almighty has rewarded them with this happy Eid at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. So not only the Muslim brothers and sisters but also leaders of different continents, from theAmerican continent, President Obama; from the European continent, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, from the Asian and African continent, are sending their Eid Messages to the Muslims living in their countries. Followings are some of the Eid Messages sent by leaders to their fellow countrymen and also to the Muslims worldwide; from the continent of America, President Obama, from the continent of Europe British Prime Minister, from the continent of Asia and the central point, where the Haramain is situated, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and from the African continent, the Nigerian leaders.

President Obama’s Eid Message On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr
President of the United States of America issued a statement from the White House on 30 August, 2011 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The Eid message of President Obama said, “Michelle and I would like to send Eid greetings to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.”

President Obama said in his Eid Message, “Ramadan has been a time for families and communities to share the happiness of coming together in intense devotion, reflection, and service. Millions all over the world would have been inspired to honor their faith by reaching out to those less fortunate. This year, many have observed the month while courageously preserving in their efforts to secure basic necessities and fundamental freedoms. The United States will continue to stand with them and for the dignity and rights of all people, whether a hungry child in the Horn of Africa or a young person demanding freedom in the Middle East and North Africa.”

President Obama concluded in saying, “As Ramadan comes to an end, we send our best wishes for a blessed holiday to Muslim communities around the world. Eid Mubarak.”

Eid Messages from British leaders
On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr , British Prime Minister and British Foreign Minister issued Eid Messages to Muslim in Britain and across the world.

British Prime Minister
The British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, M.P. send his best wishes to all Muslim families in the United Kingdom and around the world for this special time of Eid. “I wish you a very happy and peaceful Eid-ul- Fitr.”

The Prime Minister said in his message, “Peace, forgiveness and unity are the spirit of Eid. They are important messages now and will remain so long into the future.”

“The ending of the Holy month of Ramadan is a joyous time as families and friends join together in celebration,” the Prime Minister said. In his message, he said, “This year many of you will come together to contemplate the appalling scenes we have witnessed on our streets and how our communities have been affected. Community spirit however remains strong in this country.”

The Prime Minister said in his message, “I was particularly moved by the scenes of a united community coming together in Birmingham, not only to mourn the deaths of three young friends, but also to issue a strong message of unity and cohesion with people of other faiths.”

British Foreign Secretary
On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, M.P. issued Eid-ul-Fitr message, saying, “I’m delighted to send my very best wishes to Muslim in Britain and across as they mark the end of the month of Ramadan.”

Mr. Hague also said, “Eid ul Fitr celebrates the completion of a month of fasting, prayer, devotion and charitable giving. It is a fitting time to remember all those who are in need around the world, in particular those who are struggling to build a better future for their societies in the Middle East and North Africa.

He concluded his Eid message by saying: “So to Muslims around the world on this very important day of celebration, I send my very best and wish you Eid Mubarak.”

Eid Message from The Custodian of Two
Holy Mosques King Abdullah
Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Tuesday morning at big mosques and vast grounds. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

From Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, also issued Eid Message for the Muslims throughout the world on this auspicious occasion.

Uphold the values of tolerance, justice and compassion
On Monday, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan sent cables of congratulations to heads of Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. King Abdullah received calls from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. They exchanged Eid greetings.

Earlier on Monday, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah expressed his confidence that peace and stability would prevail all over the Islamic world. He also urged Muslims to uphold the values of tolerance, justice and compassion.

In a joint Eid-Al-Fitr message to the nation with Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence and Aviation, King Abdullah underlined the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, read out on Saudi Arabian Television and Saudi radio by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan urged the Saudi people to strengthen their unity and solidarity, by cooperating with each other and showing compassion to one another.

“The holy month of Ramadan was instrumental in strengthening our bond with God and improving relations between the rich and poor. It generated the values of tolerance and compassion and brought peace and happiness to our minds,” the king said.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr. “It strengthens our commitment to the Shari’ah and boosts cooperation and cohesion in our society,” their statement said.

The King and the Crown Prince prayed for the betterment of situation in the Arab and Islamic world. “God may help the Islamic nation to overcome the present tests and tribulations. May Allah make the Eid an opportunity for them to overcome pains and accomplish their hopes and aspirations,” the message said. They also prayed for the prevalence of peace and stability all over the world.

Eid Messages from African leaders
As soon as the authorities declared after the Maghreb prayer on Monday evening that the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Tuesday, the 30th of August, I met some of the African dignitaries with whom I have been performing fasting, prayers, Iftars, Taraweeeh and Qiyam al-Lail behind the Imam at the Masjid al-Haram for the month of Ramadan, particularly the last ten days, I enquired about their Eid Messages for the Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Governor of Osun State of Nigeria
Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, sent Eid messages to the Muslims throughout the world. He said: “It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid felicitations and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the conclusion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and as we are looking forward for the celebration of the Eid.”

The Governor also said, “For Muslims, this is a period of deep reflection, this is a period of deep relationship. Therefore I wish humanity reflections on relationship. It is quite sad of our relationship. People are not letting each other. Nature in some region was not quite favourable; we too us human beings not kindly to us. Have humaneness, better understanding; that is my message.”

“To the Muslims, I rejoice with all our brothers in faith and pray that difficulty will disappear, and I am pleading of other faiths, particularly Christians: don’t look at us with fear, and I demand understanding. It would be better to extend the closeness of an extreme section and greet your Muslims in humor, not totally immoral, come to an understanding with Islam and its faith,” said Mr. Abdur Rauf, the Governor of Osun state of Nigeria in his Eid message. .

Mr. Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, Mechanical Engineer by profession, was in the government of Nigeria as a functionary of state for the Lagos State of Nigeria for a period of eight years with the involvement of social development of people resources. Today he is leading Osun State, as a governor.

Former Governor of Sokoto State of Nigeria
I also interviewed former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, Attahiru Bafarawa, who said, “My message to the Muslim community throughout the world is: for us to continue believing in God, have our faith in God and also unite ourselves, love each other and then be cooperate with even non-Muslims so that we can be able to put the world in peace. In other words, talking and putting our heads together; even with non-believers that is my one message, because we are all brothers; therefore we cannot neglect them. That’s my message.”

Makkah al-Mukarramah
30th of August 2011

Eid Mubarak to all of you from Masjid al-Haram Makkah

Happy Eid Mubarak from the
Masjid al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I, on behalf of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, wish all of you a happy Eid Mubarak from the Masjid-al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen.

The Saudi Royal Court announced on Thursday, the 9th of September quoting the Supreme Court that the Eid Al-Fitr would be celebrated in the country on Friday, the 10th of September, 2010 after completing 30 days of Ramadan. It said no one sighted the new Shawwal Crescent on Wednesday evening. Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitre comes at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2010 on Friday, the 10th of September, 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 is very good news that the month of Ramadan is completed this year in 30 days. 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 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.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Friday morning at big mosques and vast grounds in Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, along with nearly 2.5 million faithful.

On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, have urged all Muslims to unite on the basis of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, read on Saudi radio and television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan reminded those Muslims who are better-off to sympathize with and support their less fortunate brothers.

Eid Message from the British Prime Minister
The British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, M.P. send his warmest best wishes to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid-ul-Fitr. In his message, he said, “As families, friends and communities come together around the United Kingdom to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid- ul-Fitr I want to send you all my warmest best wishes.”

“Eid is a special time, a time for celebration but also a time for contemplation,” said British Prime Minister and added, “The terrible scenes of devastation in Pakistan have shocked us all. I am hugely impressed by how we in the UK have responded to this tragedy, with communities up and down the country coming together to mobilise support.”

Mr. Cameron also said, “As Eid begins we should enjoy this very special time but our thoughts will of course turn to those less fortunate. Eid Mubarak.”

Eid ul Fitr Message from the British Foreign Secretary
On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, M.P. issued Eid-ul-Fitr message on 08 September, 2010, saying, “I’m delighted to send my very best wishes to you and your families in Britain and around the world as you celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and the end of the holy month of Ramadan.”

Mr. Hague also said, “At this time of celebration but also of remembrance we, of course, must have first in our minds the so many people in Pakistan and India whose homes and livelihoods have been stricken by the terrible floods who, of course, we’re trying to help in every way that we can.”

He concluded his Eid message by saying: “And so I say to Muslims all over the world that I hope you have a happy, peaceful and prosperous Eid. Eid Mubarak.”

British Communities Secretary wishes all Muslims “Eid Mubarak”
The British Communities Secretary Mr. Eric Pickles has sent out a message on 9th September, 2010 to all Muslims in the UK as the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.

Mr Pickles said: “The message of compassion, giving and justice is strong in the Islamic faith. And this period of Ramadan and Eid, in particular, inspires Muslims to focus more on others than themselves and think about those who are less fortunate.

“I wish to join you in celebrating the Eid al Fitr festival after a long, hard month of fasting during Ramadan.

“The principles and actions demonstrated during this time - of empathy, generosity and concern for the welfare of others - can be an inspiration to everyone, irrespective of faith.

Mr. Pickles also mentioned, “I, and my fellow ministers in Government, recognise and commend the huge contributions Muslims have made and continue to make to enrich British society.

“From now, everyone - Muslims and non-Muslims alike - will have a part to play in creating the Big Society, in which people come together, think about what they can offer others and start to mould their own communities and neighbourhoods.

Mr Pickles concluded by saying,“Eid is a time for family and friends; and for prayer, contemplation and reflection. As British Muslim communities across the United Kingdom enjoy their Eid celebrations, may I take this opportunity to wish you a peaceful and blessed Eid. Eid Mubarak!”

Eid Message from The Custodian of Two
Holy Mosques King Abdullah
Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Friday morning at big mosques and vast grounds. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, along with nearly 2.5 million faithful.

From Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who prayed along with millions of Muslims at the Masjid al-Haram also issued Eid Message for the Muslims throughout the world on this auspicious occasion.

Close ranks to preserve unity, King Abdullah
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, on Thursday urged Muslims all over the world to stand united on the basis of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation that was read on Saudi radio and television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan also called upon rich Muslims to support and sympathize with their less fortunate brethren.

“We are now bidding farewell to the blessed month of Ramadan after the Almighty honoured us to fast and pray during the month. We hope we were successful in making use of the blessed days and nights to establish closer relations with God,” the message said.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of the fasting month of Ramadan. “This annual occasion offers Muslims a great opportunity for retrospection and self evaluation and strengthening their mental capabilities to engage in righteous activities.”

The King and the Crown Prince said: “The Eid days and its celebrations come for Muslims to support and sympathize with one another. The rich among them sympathizing with the poor and the big showing kindness toward the small enables all to love one another with clean hearts and peaceful minds.

King Abdullah and Prince Sultan expressed their hope that God would unify Muslim ranks who follow the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. “May Allah unite Muslims on goodness, improve their condition and make them victorious over their enemies,” the message said.

Meanwhile, Prince Naif extended Eid greetings to the families of security officers who fell martyr while fighting terrorists and defending the Kingdom.

As soon as the authorities declared after the Maghreb prayer on Thursday evening that the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, the 10th of September, I met some of the foreign dignitaries with whom I have been performing fasting, prayers, Iftars, Taraweeeh and Qiyam al-Lail behind the Imam at the Masjid al-Haram for the month of Ramadan, particularly the last ten days, I enquired about their Eid Message for the Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Eid Message from Senator Muniruddin Adekunle Muse of Nigeria
I interviewed Senator Muniruddin Adekunle Muse from the Lagos State of Nigeria, who is a Member of the Upper House of the National Assembly of Nigeria, about his Eid Message. He said: “We are in Makkah right now and the purpose of coming here is to perform the Umrah. And Umrah, as everybody knows as a Muslim, is a kind of purification. So we are here on the call of Allah and pray to Allah for peace and to enable Islam to continue to grow. I appeal to all the Muslims to be patient about what is going on against us in the world. I wish that everybody, all Muslims, should continue to pray fervently to Allah to enable us and Islam to grow from strength to strength.”

Eid Message from former Governor of Sokoto state of Nigeria
I also interviewed former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, Attahiru Bafarawa, who said, “My message to the Muslim community of the world is: I want to congratulate them for the Eid and want to advise them to unite and to bring peace to the world. As a Muslim let us show good example and show the difference and the other way the religious people can make. Our Islam is for peace and therefore acts together and looks for peace collectively to put this world forward.”

Mr. Attahiru Bafarawa, the former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, it is learnt, has bright prospects to be, Insha Allah, the next President of Nigeria.

Former commissioner of works of the Lagos State of Nigeria
Former commissioner of works of the Lagos State of Nigeria, Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, who will be contesting as Governor of Osun State of Nigeria in the coming elections in April 2011, sent Eid messages to the Muslims throughout the world. He said: “It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid felicitations and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the conclusion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and as we are looking forward for the celebration of the Eid. I pray that the Almighty Allah will give us all the benefits and rewards of the month and the prayers exercised. I am in the Haram with Dr. Mozammel Haque and we, Muslims, here of the belief that the desires of the Muslims for peace, the desire of the Muslims to that we banish poverty, misery, hunger and demonisation we try for us Muslim in collaboration with all the Muslims.”

Mr. Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, Mechanical Engineer by profession, was in the government of Nigeria as a functionary of state for the Lagos State of Nigeria for a period of eight years with the involvement of social development of people resources. Today he is planning to lead another State, Osun State, as a governor and supplicating Allah to support winning enjoying all the Muslims and all the good people of the world to join him in the prayer for the salvation of humanity.

Eid Mubarak to You All

Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 Greetings:
Eid Mubarak to you all

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: The end of the Holy Month of Ramadan marks the start of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival and celebrations which are often highlighted by the exchange of gifts amongst close family members and children. Muslims all over the world who came to visit the Two Holy Mosques in the month of Ramadan fasted and stood in prayer at night during this past month with sincere faith must continue to be diligent and dutiful in our worship of Allah, and kind to our fellow human beings including the neighbours. Such obligations must continue in good faith, even as Ramadan comes to an end.

While I can personally deliver my Eid greetings to family members, friends and associates, I take it upon myself to use this column to thank all the readers of this column as well as the weekly The Muslim Weekly. Eid Mubarak.

Iftar
During the month of Ramadan, both in the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Masjid al Nabawi in Madinah, philanthropists and social workers distributed Iftar. Several charities and philanthropists vied with each other in providing delicious and healthy breakfast to the visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. The daily expenditure on breakfast works out to SR2 million which is borne by the private sector. The presidency of the Prophet’s Mosques affairs supplied Zamzam water in more than 20,000 water coolers. The Presidency also kept 2,000 workers on active duty to keep the Mosque clean within 15 minutes of breaking the fast. They also moved water coolers to their original places before the call for Maghreb prayer was made.

Jumah, Taraweeh and Qiyamullail prayers
More than three million Muslim faithful attended Jumah, Taraweeh and Qiyamullail prayers at the Two Holy Mosques on Friday as the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah called for joint efforts to combat terrorism. The Haram in Makkah overflowed with worshippers as tens of thousands of faithful had come to perform Umrah and attend special prayers seeking Lailat Al-Qadr, the Night of Power. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, accompanied by senior princes, ministers and officials, was in Makkah to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in the vicinity of Haram.

Delivering his Friday sermon, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, imam of the Grand Mosque, urged the faithful to fear God in all walks of their lives. He also urged Muslims to make use of the blessings in the last 10 days of Ramadan by engaging in worship and righteous deeds. “It’s a great blessing of God that we have another opportunity to live in these most blessed days and nights of the year,” he said. “We have to thank God for this blessing by doing good deeds. Are we ready to do that?” the imam asked.

He explained how the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions spent the last 10 days of Ramadan. The Prophet used to stay inside the mosque throughout the last 10 days of the holy month, seeking Lailat Al-Qadr. “This night is called Lailat Al-Qadr considering its importance and greatness. It’s better than a thousand months.”

Imam Al-Sudais also spoke about the importance of paying Zakah, the compulsory payment of a specific portion of a person’s wealth. Most Muslims pay their Zakah during Ramadan to maximize their reward.

Khatm prayers
More than two million faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah to attend special prayers on the night of 29th Ramadan marking the completion of the recitation (Khatm) of the Holy Qur’an at night prayers during Ramadan. The mosque complex overflowed with worshippers with thousands lining up in the courtyards and streets around the mosque to join the prayers. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, who led the prayers, beseeched Allah to end the sufferings of Muslims everywhere. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, senior princes and ministers are in the vicinity of Makkah to monitor the services being rendered to worshippers.

Saudi Television as well as foreign channels carried the annual event to viewers around the globe. The Civil Defence had set up a plan to meet any emergency situation and deployed more than 4,200 officers and readied equipment to carry out rescue operations. The Makkah Municipality deployed 4,600 workers to keep the keep the central region of Makkah neat and clean. The government had made special arrangements to protect pilgrims from swine flu and other contagious diseases. About 200 doctors and nurses were on duty at clinics inside and outside the Mosque.

Eid-ul-Fitr
After a number of people in Taif sighted the Shawwal crescent Saturday evening, the Supreme Court ratified the testimonies of people who sighted the new moon and the Royal Court announced that Sunday will be the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia. With the confirmation of the sighting of Shawwal crescent, at least 14 million SMS messages were sent by subscribers of telecom companies in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening to exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings. The messages were sent before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers that took place at open grounds and mosques in various parts of the country. There were a total of 175 Eid congregations in Jeddah, including 74 in the centre of the city, 51 in the north and 50 in the south.

Eid-ul-Fitr Prayers
Nearly three million Muslims, including a large number of foreign pilgrims, attended the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, Makkah Governor Prince Khaled al-Faisal and other senior princes and ministers joined the prayers.

Sheikh Saleh Bin-Humaid, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, led the prayers. In his Eid sermon, the imam urged Muslims to spread love and affection among them and improve their relations with others. He highlighted the importance of volunteerism, saying it would help lessen the suffering of other people and that it purifies minds, prevents people from becoming stingy, gets rid of disappointment. “Such volunteer work should not be limited to the times of natural calamities,” the imam said. He said spreading happiness among members of society was essential to strengthening social bonds. Such cohesiveness, he said, is essential to safeguard internal security, prevent crimes and reduce poverty and corruption.

“We should compete with one another in charitable and voluntary work,” he added. “It promotes popular partnership. Being a strong means of reforms, it also strengthens states and governments and bridges the gap in extending services.”

At the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah nearly two million faithful attended Eid prayers, which were led by Sheikh Salah al-Bedair. In his Eid sermon, Al-Bedair called upon Muslims to abide by the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah in all walks of their life. He reminded the faithful and promoting virtue and preventing vice is one of the fundamentals of Shari’ah. He advised Muslims to perform the compulsory five daily prayers, give the obligatory alms of Zakat and perform the once in-a-life-time duty of Hajj. They should also avoid interest-bearing finances and the usury trap, pay the salaries of workers and not ask of workers what they cannot do.

King Abdullah’s Eid Message:
Let us spread happiness
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah on Saturday congratulated Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and urged them to treat the less fortunate with a spirit of compassion and solidarity. “Let your Eid be a celebration of love and compassion,” King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan said in a joint message to the nation.

King Abdullah and Prince Sultan thanked God for bestowing His blessings on the Kingdom and its people. "Islam is the greatest blessing of God and Eid that comes after the holy month of Ramadan is one of its features,” the message said. The King and the Crown Prince urged Muslims in the Kingdom and elsewhere in the world to compete with one another in charitable activities in order to remove and lessen the pain off others.

British Prime Minister’s Eid Message
“I am delighted to send you all best wishes for Eid-ul-Fitr. This is a special time at the end of the very holy month of Ramadan. Muslims throughout the United Kingdom and around the world are not only celebrating the end of the fast, but are celebrating faith, family and devotion,” said the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, M.P in his Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 message.

Brown said, “This is a joyous time but also a time when we think of others. So as families and friends come together your thoughts are with each other and ours are with you.”

“Please accept our warmest regards as Britain’s Muslim communities join the Ummah around the world in celebrating Eid ul-Fitr – I wish you all Eid Mubarak,” British Prime Minister added.

British Foreign Secretary’s Eid Message
“I am delighted to send you my very best wishes for the important day of Eid-ul-Fitr. I know that this is a crucial part of the Muslim calendar, a time to reflect, a time to think about local and global responsibilities. I’m very proud to be the foreign secretary of a country where over two million Muslims make a massive contribution to politics, to the arts, to business and also to diplomacy itself through the Foreign Office,” said British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, M.P. in his Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 Message.

Miliband also said, “I know that the challenges that we face are real, but I also know that there is a real yearning in Britain and elsewhere for a new coalition between states like ours and between Muslim majority countries, but above all between people across boundaries of race, religion and region.”

“So on this very important day I send you my best wishes, Eid Mubarak,” British Foreign Secretary said.

British Secretary of State for Communities
And Local Government
“I am pleased to send you my best wishes and Eid Mubarak. Eid ul-Fitr is a day of renewal, of celebrating happiness with families, friends and neighbours, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. This is a special occasion for the UK’s Muslim communities, but people of all different backgrounds and walks of life share your joy, thanks to the double blessing of the diversity that so enriches our society, and the common values that bring us all together,” said British Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, M.P., in his Eid-ul-Fitr 2009 Message.

Denham said, “It is an honour to share this celebration with you. Happy Eid and Eid Mubarak.”