Hajj messages

Peace with dignity to all - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Hajj message fervently wished that prayers of all Muslims of Sri Lanka will be directed towards peace with dignity to all.

The message states:

This festival which culminates in the Hajj pilgrimage, the embodiment of sacrifice, is the greatest annual event of the Islamic world, with nearly four million Muslims from the world over including around 5,000 from Sri Lanka, gather at the Holy City of Mecca to perform Hajj.

Hajj also symbolises the spirit of unity when millions of pilgrims speaking different languages and belonging to different nationalities and cultures proclaim the same mission - divinity, unity and greatness of God.

This spirit of unity should prevail throughout their lives and shared with the faithful of other religions in the larger interest of brotherhood of man.

The Muslims of Sri Lanka have made significant contributions to the progress of our country and for the happiness of all our people. Throughout history, they have lived in harmony with the other communities in our country, and continue to do so.

With the end to three decades of terrorism, the Muslims of the North and East are now able to live without fear with new opportunities for progress. Due to speedy resettlements in the North, the Muslims there are able to return to their homes to renew life in peace and harmony.

The prayers of all Muslims of this day of special religious observances will no doubt be directed towards peace, with dignity for all,” the message said.

Muslims must support nation rebuilding - PM

Muslim devotees the world over flock to Mecca, Saudi Arabia every year to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. They have no differences as to their educational and financial background. They flock to perform Hajj. What we need today is also co-operation and co-existence among communities. We suffered greatly for many years due to the disruption of such co-operation and co-existence.

Terrorism raised its head in Sri Lanka because the germ of suspicious had replaced peace, happiness and tranquillity resultantly. The country lost many useful youthful lives. We have now been able to reverse the tide and foster peace in the country.

The greatest challenge before us today is to strengthen the economy of this country devastated by war. The time has now come for us to overcome this challenge by joining hands in unity, leaving aside all differences.

At this moment when Muslims the world over are celebrating Hajj I call upon all Sri Lankan Muslims to join the effort to rebuild our Motherland.

I extend my sincere greetings to Muslim devotees celebrating the first Hajj festival in a reunited and peaceful Sri Lanka after ending terrorism and their Muslim compatriots celebrating this occasion the world over.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.H. Mohamed

The largest gathering of human beings in any single religious event in the history of the world teaches mankind to be united and simple in the sight of our Creator.

Knowledge, Pride Arrogance and Power stumbles before Him the uncomparable Lord of the Universe, Supreme in all the above aspects, said Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.H. Mohamed issuing a Haj Festival Day message.

The Haj denotes sacrifice and expects humanity to behold the values of foregoing for the benefit of others.

The Haj delivers to mankind a Universal Message of Franchise, brotherhood, tolerance and patience exhibited during the pilgrimage.

Even the greatest Democracies of the world today, seek Peace and Sanctity which has become a vital and precious item. Suppression of Social Justice, violation of Human Rights and preparation of foreign boundaries between countries are evidently, a frequent sight. We, by obeying and upholding the ethics of God Almighty, learn to discipline ourselves as individuals or nations thereby respect the others, their Sovereignty and the National Integrity of the neighbouring countries in hope and confidence.

I sincerely pray that the troubles and turmoil of the world at present will be overwhelmed by peace and tranquillity providing for a better life in contentment.

Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff

Millions of Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world are performing Haj in the Holy city of Macca from the time of Prophet Ibrahim to fulfill the Haj. Muslims all over the world recalled this and pay tribute to Prophet Ibrahim’s incomparable sacrifice forever, said Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff issuing a Haj Festival Day message.

This festival also reminds us to follow the commands of the Almighty Allah. There are five pillar of Islam fundamental duties to be fulfilled by a Muslim compulsorily according to its importance during his lifetime.

Haj is the final duty to be performed by a Muslim based on his or her economic stability. Islam and Holy Prophet Mohamed (Sal) said,

One who respects his own religion must necessarily respect other religions. Let us recognize and respect other religions and cultural diversity in Sri Lanka and work towards unity in this diversity.

We hope and pray that peace in the world. Now the horrible war climate was over. Islam is a faith that stands for peace.

The foundation of peace rests on proper respect for human life and recognition of the rights of all individuals. We are all Sri Lankans. All the communities should get-together to live in pace and harmony in this beautiful island.

Tourism Promotion Minister Faiszer Musthapha

Islam is a way of life refined by self-sacrifice. It insists on the Almighty’s Power of Creation and His Oneness, said Tourism Promotion Minister Faiszer Musthapha issuing a Haj Festival Day message.

Although Prophet Hood ends with Prophet Mohamed (Sal), the sublime life of selflessness can be seen as having lived even after them. Dedicating one’s sacrifice and life of selflessness to the Almighty alone is the noble philosophy of Islam.

Whosoever deviates from this philosophy does not belong to Islam.

Today we are all breathing the breeze of freedom. All the Muslim people living in this country should thank President Mahinda Rajapaksa who brought freedom.

The bounden duty of every Muslim is to work for the country and in particular, for the enhancement of the Islamic community living in this country while enjoying this freedom and placing his trust on the Almighty.

Let us live a life of selfless love and let this be our prayer on this Festival Day of Sacrifice.

I wish that Islam may shine with the glowing flame. Eid Mubarak!

Co-operatives Minister M. Najeeb Abdul Majeed

Let us move with love and affection with other communities and build a strong bondage with them. Let us also help each other, adopting the values of Islamic faith, said Co-operatives Minister M. Najeeb Abdul Majeed issuing a Haj Festival Day message.

I pray from Mecca that this day should pave way to all the communities in our country to live with equity and set an example to the world community, said the Minister.

He said Muslims from all over the world are celebrating this day with lot of sacrifice.

Though every Muslim is not gifted to lift both his hnads to Almighty Allah and pray in unisonce in Mecca, we are in tears on the sacrifice of Ismail, son of Prophet Ibrahim.

We pray that our community should overwhelm all the difficulties and lead a peaceful life.

He said we should sink all the differences among us, and live together as one Muslim community in the Island.