Eid Messages from Heads of States of
Three continents to Muslims worldwide
Dr. Mozammel Haque
SEOUL, South KOREA: I, Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, wish you all happy and peaceful Eid ul-Adha, from Seoul, South Korea. More than 2,000 Muslims of different nationalities and languages attended the Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Seoul Central Mosque, Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, the 16th of November, 2010.
This Eid-al-Adha festival, the festival of sacrifice, comes after the successful performance of Hajj. Muslims throughout the world observe the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and celebrate the life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his remarkable work he has done. Prophet Ibrahim, the Patriarch of all the monotheistic religion, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, was commanded by Allah the Almighty to sacrifice his beloved son and both Prophet Ibrahim and his son willingly accepted this Divine decree.
Eid-ul-Adha is a day of joyous celebration. It is a sacrificial ritual, the feast of sacrifice, which comes from the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and which was followed and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
On this auspicious occasion, leaders of the Muslim countries as well as the heads of states of three countries from three continents sent their Eid Messages to the Muslim Community of the world at large.
From Europe, Britain, Prime Minister David Cameron
Three continents to Muslims worldwide
Dr. Mozammel Haque
SEOUL, South KOREA: I, Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, wish you all happy and peaceful Eid ul-Adha, from Seoul, South Korea. More than 2,000 Muslims of different nationalities and languages attended the Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Seoul Central Mosque, Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, the 16th of November, 2010.
This Eid-al-Adha festival, the festival of sacrifice, comes after the successful performance of Hajj. Muslims throughout the world observe the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and celebrate the life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his remarkable work he has done. Prophet Ibrahim, the Patriarch of all the monotheistic religion, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, was commanded by Allah the Almighty to sacrifice his beloved son and both Prophet Ibrahim and his son willingly accepted this Divine decree.
Eid-ul-Adha is a day of joyous celebration. It is a sacrificial ritual, the feast of sacrifice, which comes from the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and which was followed and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
On this auspicious occasion, leaders of the Muslim countries as well as the heads of states of three countries from three continents sent their Eid Messages to the Muslim Community of the world at large.
From Europe, Britain, Prime Minister David Cameron
From Europe, the Prime Minister of Britain, David Cameron, MP, sent his warmest Eid wishes to the Muslim community throughout the United Kingdom. “Eid al-Adha, celebrated all over the world, is one of the most holy festivals in Islam and celebrates the culmination of the Hajj,” said the British Prime Minister in his Eid message on 16th of November, 2010.
David Cameron, MP, also mentioned, “As families and friends come together in celebration, I want to recognise the immense contribution that British Muslims, over many generations, have made to our country.”
The British Prime Minister also wishes “a very happy and peaceful Eid”.
The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, MP, also issued a press release on 16 November, 2010 on the occasion of Eid ul Adha wishing all a happy Eid-ul-Adha. He said in his Eid Message, “At this time of year Muslim communities across the globe will be celebrating Eid al-Adha and will be sharing their celebrations with friends and family.”
The British Foreign Secretary also mentioned, “The festival marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the pillars of the Muslim faith. I am proud of the fact that the British government has sent a British Hajj delegation to Saudi Arabia to provide consular assistance to British hajjis. Eid-ul-Adha also commemorates the sacrifice of the prophet Abraham. It is a fitting opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the common ground between faiths and look to what unites rather than divides us.”
British Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, MP, also sent a message of good wishes at Eid-ul-Adha. Communities Secretary wishes Muslims across Britain “Eid Mubarak” as the Festival of Sacrifice begins. Mr. Pickles said, “As the end of the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, I would like to send a message of good wishes to all British Muslims.”
The Communities Secretary also mentioned, “Eid ul-Adha is an important time for Muslims, both of deep reflection and celebration. It marks the end of the Hajj - the largest annual gathering of Muslims in the world - when Muslims demonstrate their belief that all people are equal and should live peacefully together.”
“The ideas of peace, compassion and giving, which are so important at this time, are common to us all and can serve to unite Muslims and non-Muslims,” Mr. Pickles said.
The Communities Secretary also expressed his willingness to “recognise the significant role that Muslims have played, and are continuing to play, in helping to create the vibrant society we live in.”
From Asia, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah
Millions of worshippers gathered at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina – to celebrate the day of Eid-ul-Adha – the feast of sacrifice – and to perform the Eid-ul-Adha prayers on Tuesday, the 16th of November, 2010 in recognition of Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) total faith in Allah the Almighty.
King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has urged Muslims to use the Hajj as a standard for their behavior in future. In his message to the Ummah Wednesday, King Abdullah said Muslims should not lose the lessons they have learnt during the holy pilgrimage. This includes their unity during the pilgrimage, whatever gender, race, ethnic group or nationality.
He also called on Muslims to reject terrorism, which has nothing to do with Islam. The only way to counter terrorism is for Muslims to continue to have dialogue with each other and with those of other faiths, said the King.
King Abdullah thanked Almighty Allah for allowing pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals “in ease and comfort and prayed to Allah to accept their good deeds, purify their souls and realize their hopes,” according to a report carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Th King said Muslims should use the Hajj to “revive and renew their relations and strengthen the bonds of fraternity, love and cohesion”. The Monarch said he is always filled with “great delight and pleasure” to see Muslims from all over the world come together for Hajj.
He said Hajj is “a clear sign of the Divine Will to unite the Ummah and reaffirm the oneness of the Creator”. Hajj also embodies “equality and justice”. “Almighty Allah ordained this annual obligation to serve as a gathering place for the believers, the sons of one religion.”
The King said Almighty Allah has honoured the Kingdom with the chance to serve the Two Holy Mosques. He said this is a great responsibility which the country is willing to bear because it only seeks Allah’s reward for being of service to the Guests of Allah. “Almighty Allah has made matters easy for us to fulfill our obligations toward the worshippers,” the King said.
King Abdullah said the government will not “tolerate anyone who may try to tamper with the security of the pilgrims or contaminate the spiritual atmosphere”. “We will secure the safety of the pilgrims until they return to their countries safely,” the King added.
In Makkah, the worshippers were led by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, who explained in his sermon that this was a day on which Allah Almighty bestows His forgiveness and mercy on His worshippers.
Al-Sudais said that “one of the great Islamic rites on this glorious day is the sacrificial ritual” which comes from the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and which was followed and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Al-Sudais said that in this era of globalization, there were many threats to world security and world peace.
He said Islam was a religion of moderation and if practiced correctly creates a “balanced society that takes into consideration both the needs of the individual and the community”. He said the embodiment of this balance was in the person of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In Madina, in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz Bin Majed Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Madina, Muslims performed Eid Al-Adha prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque. The prayers were led by Sheikh Salah Al-Bedair, Imam and Khateeb, who praised Allah the Almighty for His blessings bestowed on Muslims, congratulating all Muslims around the world on the advent of Eid Al-Adha and especially those who performed the Hajj rituals in “tranquility, security and safety”.
In his sermon, Al-Bedair urged all Muslims to commit themselves to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and to be careful of deviant ideas or faiths.
He also called on Muslims to educate the ignorant, guide those who have questionable faith, promote virtue and prevent vice. He urged Muslims to pay Zakat, visit the sick and feed the hungry. Al-Bedair also warned Muslims about giving or taking bribes. He urged those who are addicted to smoking, alcohol and drugs to abandon these habits.
In concluding his sermon, he called on all Muslims to display tolerance, compassion and be servants of Almighty Allah..
From America: Statement by the US President
On the occasion of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha, US President, Barack Obama, issued a statement saying, “Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid-ul-Adha to Muslims worldwide and wish safe travels to those performing Hajj. This year, nearly three million pilgrims from more than 160 countries – including the United States – have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Hajj rituals and stand together in prayer.”
President Obama also mentioned, “On Eid, Muslims around the world will commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and distribute food to those less fortunate – a reminder of the shared values and the common roots of three of the world’s major religions.”
“On behalf of the American people, we extend our best wishes during this Hajj season – Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mabrour,” concluded by President Barack Obama.
David Cameron, MP, also mentioned, “As families and friends come together in celebration, I want to recognise the immense contribution that British Muslims, over many generations, have made to our country.”
The British Prime Minister also wishes “a very happy and peaceful Eid”.
The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, MP, also issued a press release on 16 November, 2010 on the occasion of Eid ul Adha wishing all a happy Eid-ul-Adha. He said in his Eid Message, “At this time of year Muslim communities across the globe will be celebrating Eid al-Adha and will be sharing their celebrations with friends and family.”
The British Foreign Secretary also mentioned, “The festival marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the pillars of the Muslim faith. I am proud of the fact that the British government has sent a British Hajj delegation to Saudi Arabia to provide consular assistance to British hajjis. Eid-ul-Adha also commemorates the sacrifice of the prophet Abraham. It is a fitting opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the common ground between faiths and look to what unites rather than divides us.”
British Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, MP, also sent a message of good wishes at Eid-ul-Adha. Communities Secretary wishes Muslims across Britain “Eid Mubarak” as the Festival of Sacrifice begins. Mr. Pickles said, “As the end of the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, I would like to send a message of good wishes to all British Muslims.”
The Communities Secretary also mentioned, “Eid ul-Adha is an important time for Muslims, both of deep reflection and celebration. It marks the end of the Hajj - the largest annual gathering of Muslims in the world - when Muslims demonstrate their belief that all people are equal and should live peacefully together.”
“The ideas of peace, compassion and giving, which are so important at this time, are common to us all and can serve to unite Muslims and non-Muslims,” Mr. Pickles said.
The Communities Secretary also expressed his willingness to “recognise the significant role that Muslims have played, and are continuing to play, in helping to create the vibrant society we live in.”
From Asia, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah
Millions of worshippers gathered at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina – to celebrate the day of Eid-ul-Adha – the feast of sacrifice – and to perform the Eid-ul-Adha prayers on Tuesday, the 16th of November, 2010 in recognition of Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) total faith in Allah the Almighty.
King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has urged Muslims to use the Hajj as a standard for their behavior in future. In his message to the Ummah Wednesday, King Abdullah said Muslims should not lose the lessons they have learnt during the holy pilgrimage. This includes their unity during the pilgrimage, whatever gender, race, ethnic group or nationality.
He also called on Muslims to reject terrorism, which has nothing to do with Islam. The only way to counter terrorism is for Muslims to continue to have dialogue with each other and with those of other faiths, said the King.
King Abdullah thanked Almighty Allah for allowing pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals “in ease and comfort and prayed to Allah to accept their good deeds, purify their souls and realize their hopes,” according to a report carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Th King said Muslims should use the Hajj to “revive and renew their relations and strengthen the bonds of fraternity, love and cohesion”. The Monarch said he is always filled with “great delight and pleasure” to see Muslims from all over the world come together for Hajj.
He said Hajj is “a clear sign of the Divine Will to unite the Ummah and reaffirm the oneness of the Creator”. Hajj also embodies “equality and justice”. “Almighty Allah ordained this annual obligation to serve as a gathering place for the believers, the sons of one religion.”
The King said Almighty Allah has honoured the Kingdom with the chance to serve the Two Holy Mosques. He said this is a great responsibility which the country is willing to bear because it only seeks Allah’s reward for being of service to the Guests of Allah. “Almighty Allah has made matters easy for us to fulfill our obligations toward the worshippers,” the King said.
King Abdullah said the government will not “tolerate anyone who may try to tamper with the security of the pilgrims or contaminate the spiritual atmosphere”. “We will secure the safety of the pilgrims until they return to their countries safely,” the King added.
In Makkah, the worshippers were led by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, who explained in his sermon that this was a day on which Allah Almighty bestows His forgiveness and mercy on His worshippers.
Al-Sudais said that “one of the great Islamic rites on this glorious day is the sacrificial ritual” which comes from the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and which was followed and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Al-Sudais said that in this era of globalization, there were many threats to world security and world peace.
He said Islam was a religion of moderation and if practiced correctly creates a “balanced society that takes into consideration both the needs of the individual and the community”. He said the embodiment of this balance was in the person of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In Madina, in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz Bin Majed Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Madina, Muslims performed Eid Al-Adha prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque. The prayers were led by Sheikh Salah Al-Bedair, Imam and Khateeb, who praised Allah the Almighty for His blessings bestowed on Muslims, congratulating all Muslims around the world on the advent of Eid Al-Adha and especially those who performed the Hajj rituals in “tranquility, security and safety”.
In his sermon, Al-Bedair urged all Muslims to commit themselves to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and to be careful of deviant ideas or faiths.
He also called on Muslims to educate the ignorant, guide those who have questionable faith, promote virtue and prevent vice. He urged Muslims to pay Zakat, visit the sick and feed the hungry. Al-Bedair also warned Muslims about giving or taking bribes. He urged those who are addicted to smoking, alcohol and drugs to abandon these habits.
In concluding his sermon, he called on all Muslims to display tolerance, compassion and be servants of Almighty Allah..
From America: Statement by the US President
On the occasion of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha, US President, Barack Obama, issued a statement saying, “Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid-ul-Adha to Muslims worldwide and wish safe travels to those performing Hajj. This year, nearly three million pilgrims from more than 160 countries – including the United States – have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Hajj rituals and stand together in prayer.”
President Obama also mentioned, “On Eid, Muslims around the world will commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and distribute food to those less fortunate – a reminder of the shared values and the common roots of three of the world’s major religions.”
“On behalf of the American people, we extend our best wishes during this Hajj season – Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mabrour,” concluded by President Barack Obama.
