Haj messages

Spirit of unity embodied in Haj pilgrimage -President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Haj messages states: "I am pleased to send this message of greetings to the Muslim Community of Sri Lanka as they celebrate Eid-Ul-Alha, the festival of Haj together with those of their faith the world over.

"This festival comes at the end of the sacred Haj pilgrimage, which is eagerly joined by those able to do so and looked up to as an embodiment of the spirit of sacrifice found in the Islamic faith. This year too, nearly 6,000 pilgrims from Sri Lanka will join the millions of Muslims from other countries to perform Haj at the Holy City of Mecca.

"The gathering of many millions of pilgrims from different countries and cultures, speaking different languages all proclaiming the divinity and greatness of God, symbolizes the underlying spirit of unity that is embodied in the Haj pilgrimage.

The teachings of Islam point to the need for this spirit of unity to prevail throughout their lives and be shared with those of other faiths too, in the wider interest of the brotherhood of man.

"It is in this spirit that the Muslims of Sri Lanka have made significant contributions to the progress of our country and the unity of our people. Through centuries they have lived in harmony with the other communities in Sri Lanka and continue to do so, contributing to the progress of the Motherland.

"I am glad that the festival of Haj is being celebrated this year amidst of moves to resettle in the North the Muslims who were evicted form their homes by the forces of terror.

This is a measure of reconciliation that promises them a new life of peace and harmony where they once lived, symbolizing the peace that now prevails throughout the country. The prayers of all Muslims today will no doubt be directed towards ensuring continued peace with dignity for all.

"I wish all our Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid Mubarak."

Haj based on unity, determination - PM

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne in his Haj message states:

"I consider it a privilege to issue a special message to mark the Haj Festival which is based on unity and determination.

According to Islamic History the Haj Festival is a special day for Muslims throughout the world. The main religious ceremonies in this connection are held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The example given to the world by these ceremonies is very significant.

The prayers held by people of the Islamic faith by assembling at a single venue devoid of differences as to colour helped to cement friendship and strengthen their determination. Muslims in our country also considered the Haj pilgrimage as a very sacred mission. More than 6000 devotees from Sri Lanka are attending the Haj pilgrimage this year. The religious background thought by the Haj pilgrimage is very important for the forward march of our country.

Today Muslims in the North and East have gained an opportunity to celebrate Haj in freedom due to the eradication of terrorism, I believe that at a time when Sri Lanka is trying to accomplish development targets in a peaceful environment the building of a background for religious amity is a timely need. President Mahinda Rajapaksa's intention is also to steer the country towards the development path through all religious unity. That could be realised through religious ceremonies of this nature. Therefore, on this sacred Haj festival day we should all resolve to steer the country towards development through religious and communal unity.

Lanka free to breathe air of tranquility - Fowzie

We are today free to breathe the air of tranquility and the country is set to launch on its new phase of economic and social development, Disaster Management Minister A H M Fowzie said.

Excerpts from the Minister’s Haj message: “On this sacred day of Haj festival, I am happy to convey my sincere greetings to all my Muslim fraternity in Sri Lanka and pray to Allah to bless our country with everlasting peace and prosperity so that all people can live happily with dignity and honour.

Today, after three long decades and after sacrificing many thousands of human lives, we are free to breathe the air of tranquility and the country has been set to launch on its new phase of economic and social development aimed at making our Mother Lanka as the wonder of Asia.

It is very auspicious for the country that the commencement of the new term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, follows the sacred day of the Haj festival. The message of Haj stresses upon the importance of sacrifice, particularly to give up one’s private, arrogance, high status and to become one of commoners draped in a simple white cloth and to collectively march against evils, seeking common good of all. In other words, it asserts the reality that he belongs to one humanity and therefore none is superior over another.

This is very relevant in today’s context of our country as we are about to launch on a new political agenda for economic prosperity, peace and quality life for all irrespective of race or ethnicity.”

Nation moving towards progress - Azwer

The Nation is moving towards progress and development within an environment of peace and harmony amongst all communities, A H M Azwer MP said.

Excerpts from Azwer’s Haj message: “Islam is essentially shaped to develop human beings to achieve a great sense of morals and values.

Purity in thought; economy of words sans invectives in speech; humbleness in disposition; care for one’s neighbour; consideration for the other person; keeping to one’s word; returning dues on time; being excellent in conduct and character; fulfilling promises; honouring the trust reposed; adopting transparency in transactions; living in truth and maintaining absolute integrity; cultivating a pleasant disposition and being amiable; pious, sober, chaste, healthy, clean in body and mind at all times; spending quality time with and caring for, one’s family and friends and working towards peace and prosperity towards one and all, contribute towards the overall development of not only the self, but a sublime society.

Haj includes a profound reflection of recollecting these lofty traits in that of improving one’s self; comparing one’s performance during the last year and adjusting towards bettering one’s overall conduct in the one ahead.

The monumental efforts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who ushered in the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka in May 2009, has paved the path to progress in that even the enlightened wizards of Singapore - an economic giant in Asia - have acknowledged the fact that Sri Lanka is currently the second-fastest growing Asian economy after China.

Great feast in Islamic calendar - MICH

Eid-ul-Azha is one of the two great feasts in the Islamic calendar, Moors’ islamic Cultural Home and Special Commissioner, Colombo Omar Kamil said.

Kamil in a Haj message said: “The Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home wishes to extend its greetings to the Muslims in Sri Lanka as well as in other parts of the world who are celebrating the Eid-Ul-Azha which is also the Festival of Sacrifice.

We are indeed happy to share the joy with all our brothers and sisters on this sacred occasion.”