As millions of Muslims celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, US President Joe Biden has congratulated Muslims worldwide on the occasion, while the leaders of Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom have also shared similar messages.
“Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as you celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr and conclude the holy month of Ramadan,” said Biden in a written statement.
“With the sighting of the crescent moon, `Eid Al-Fitr is a festive celebration where Muslims feast after the holy month of fasting, decorate their homes, give gifts to loved ones, wear new clothes, and visit family and friends. I am moved by the generosity that is shown from families that can provide food and give charity to those in need through Zakat-al-Fitr,” Biden said.
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The three-day `Eid Al-Fitr festival is one of the two main religious celebrations in Islam, together with `Eid Al-Adha.
Biden extended his wishes and renewed his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges that Muslims continue to face in the US including Islamophobia.
“My Administration is also committed to addressing all forms of hate, including Islamophobia. This is why I established an interagency task force with senior government officials to tackle this and related challenges and encourage every American to build a more inclusive nation,” he added.
He said that they will celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr at the White House again this year to “honor inspiring Muslim Americans who are making contributions across our country.”
“To all celebrating, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed `Eid Al-Fitr. `Eid Mubarak!” he added.
Muslim Contributions
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also shared his `Eid Al-Fitr wishes, acknowledging the importance and contribution of Muslim communities to his country’s development.
“On the first sighting of the new crescent moon, Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” Trudeau said in a statement.
“On this day, we recognize the invaluable contributions Muslim communities in Canada have made and continue to make, to this country. Canada’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and source of pride,” he added.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also shared wishes to Muslims celebrating `Eid in a statement, adding that after a month of reflection and renunciation, Muslim families, friends and neighbors will now come together to celebrate.
“The festival at the end of Ramadan is one of the great religious festivals in our country,” Steinmeier said.
Steinmeier added that `Eid Al-Fitr festival is also an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions in Germany.
“I hope that people of other faiths and non-believers will take this opportunity to engage in conversation with Muslims and know more about one of the two important festivals in Islam,” he said.
“In our culturally diverse society, the more we approach each other with curiosity, openness and respect, the more successful would be the harmonious coexistence of differences,” he added.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also sent his warmest wishes to Muslims in the UK as they marked `Eid.
“Eid is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the shared values which bind us together, particularly your compassion and dedication to contribute to charity and philanthropy,” he said in a statement.
“This was evident earlier this year, through the community’s outstanding response to support the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.”
Sunak also paid tribute to the “incredible” contribution the Muslim community makes to the country.
“Whether it be in business, sports, media, our public services, or of course our NHS (National Health Service) and armed forces, British Muslims are helping to make the country the success it is,” he said.
“`Eid Mubarak to everyone observing it today,” he said, adding that he looks forward to welcoming representatives from the British Muslim community to Downing Street to celebrate.