The Daily News wishes its readers a happy Ramazan

Fasting results in moral, spiritual self-discipline- President

COLOMBO: Fasting results in moral and spiritual self-discipline and austerity which enables man to face life with courage, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

The President in a Ramazan message said: “I am pleased to send this message of greeting on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated the world over by devotees of Islam. The festival marks the completion of an act of duty and devotion.

The practice of fasting sublimates the inner self of man and inculcates discernment of the pangs and hardships which the poor and needy face. It is the loftiest achievement of moral exercise which is celebrated with much zeal on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Fasting results in moral and spiritual self-discipline and austerity which enables man to face life with courage.

The Muslim community meditates and pays obeisance to their Lord in congregation, displaying loyal spirit of brotherhood, equality and fraternity through prayers and through the zest of meeting and embracing the Muslim brethren. On this happy occasion I wish all our Muslim Brothers Eid-Mubarak.”

Muslims’ sacrifice example to world- Prime Minister

COLOMBO: The sacrifice made by the entire Muslim community is a fine example to the whole world, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said.

The Prime Minister in a Ramazan message said: “I wish to extend my heartiest greetings to all Muslims in the world including those in Sri Lanka, for the Ramazan ceremony celebrated by them. It is after 20 years that a peaceful environment has emerged in the Eastern Province enabling Muslim devotees there to celebrate Id-Ul-Fitr Festival without hindrance.

The holy Koran mainly brings the message of peace. It creates friendliness among various creeds and consists of indefinite number of instructions and lessons which cause interest to the entire mankind. Islam means peace and therefore, the noble intention of the Creator is to eliminate hatred and anger and to be united for common objectives.

As in all religions, giving of alms takes a prominent place during the Ramazan festival and Ramazan fasting period. In the morning of the Ramazan day, worships are done in groups at mosques. Men and women worship Allah separately and before the worship concludes, the rich must make a donation of grams to the poor. This is called Fitra. This practice has been influenced to name this festival as “Id-Ul-Fitr.”

In Islam, five compulsory responsibilities have been imposed on Muslims. They are belief in Allah, worshipping Allah, Ramazan fast, Zakat and Hadj - pilgrimage to Mecca. Special emphasis has been given to the fourth responsibility, the giving of alms called ‘Zakat’.

All Muslims are bound to distribute two per cent out of the surplus of the annual earnings after incurring for essential purposes such as food, among the poor people. I believe that the sacrifice made by the entire Muslim community is a fine example to the whole world.

Let us build the mutual understanding, goodwill and brotherhood among all communities, keeping hopes for durable peace in this festive season adhering to the observance of Id-Ul-Fitr, i.e. not to forget anyone.

“I wholeheartedly extend my greetings to all Islamic devotees, a Happy Ramazan!”