Saudi Arabia, Indonesianpost.com – As millions of pilgrims from around the world embark on the sacred journey of Hajj, world leaders have united in congratulating and extending their heartfelt wishes to Muslims worldwide, including all those partaking in the momentous pilgrimage journey in Saudi Arabia.
The annual pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah in the Kingdom holds immense spiritual significance in the Islamic faith and symbolizes the values of devotion, unity, and sacrifice.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman sent congratulatory cables to the leaders of Islamic countries for the happy occasion of Eid Al-Adha, “praying to God Almighty to accept good deeds from everyone, and to return this happy occasion to the Islamic nation with glory and empowerment, and with more progress and prosperity,” according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
President Joe Biden of the United States emphasized the importance of Hajj as a unifying force, bringing together people from every continent in a spirit of equality and shared purpose. He expressed his admiration for the millions of pilgrims, including thousands of American Muslims, who have embarked on this spiritual journey and renewed their commitment to pursuing peace and building a better world for everyone.
President Biden said: “As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid, more than a million pilgrims are peacefully performing their religious obligations of, the Hajj, at Mount Arafa and Mecca in Saudi Arabia —including thousands of American Muslims— and, here in America, we join in the work of renewing our commitment to pursuing peace and a better world for everyone.
“The Hajj brings together people from every continent and corner of the globe, leaving their worldly possessions and wearing the simple, white Ihram garb in a spirit of equality. This idea is similar to those on which our nation is built — that we are all created equal, and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also congratulated the Muslim world on the occasion, saying in a statement: “I wish Muslims both at home and around the world a blessed Eid al-Adha. For those who celebrate, Eid al-Adha is a powerful reminder of the communal obligation to take care of one another,” he said. Blinken also conveyed his best wishes for the Muslim pilgrims undertaking the Hajj journey.
Wishing Muslims in the UK and around the world Eid Mubarak, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commendably recognized the valuable contributions made by the Muslim community to the United Kingdom. He further emphasized that the celebration of Eid Al-Adha serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of family, friends, and society as a whole. He said: “As you come together to celebrate, Eid al-Adha reminds us of the importance of family, friends, and community – as well as the vital role of faith in going above and beyond to make the world a better place for those around us.”
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha expressed happiness for the Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia, currently chairing the Islamic Summit, and conveyed warm congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Taha offered a prayer to Allah Almighty, expressing hope that this occasion will mark the start of a harmonious Muslim world united in goodness and blessings. He also prayed that peace, stability and prosperity prevail in all Muslim states.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognized the profound significance of Hajj and its importance to Muslims worldwide. He commended the values of sacrifice, compassion, and charity demonstrated by Muslim communities in Canada and reiterated the government’s commitment to combatting Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Trudeau stated: “As families and friends across the country come together to pray, share meals, and share food with those in need, we can all be inspired by the values of sacrifice, compassion, and charity demonstrated by Muslim communities in Canada each and every day.”
“I wish all those celebrating a wonderful Eid al-Adha,” Trudeau said, adding “The federal government will continue to stand against Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged the spiritual significance of Hajj and its ability to strengthen the atmosphere of brotherhood among citizens. He remarked: “I wish Eid al Adha brings blessings to our families, our nation, the Islamic world and all of humanity. Holidays are blessed days when we, as a nation, remember our unity and our eternal brotherhood.
“I believe that Eid al Adha will further strengthen the atmosphere of brotherhood among our citizens in these months when our hearts are burning due to the February 6 earthquakes,” he added.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the lessons of sacrifice taught by Prophet Ibrahim and their relevance to various aspects of life. He stated: “In the Islamic faith, Eid al-Adha is celebrated in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s act of faith and obedience to Allah. According to the Holy Scriptures, Allah was pleased with him, because he did not hesitate to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
“Prophet Ibrahim teaches the believers that sacrifice is the cornerstone of religion. This lesson should be made applicable to all aspects of life. It takes, for instance, sacrifice to build a stable and prosperous family.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh emphasized the significance of Hajj as a time of devotion and sacrifice. She called upon the faithful to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and be dedicated to the welfare of mankind, stating: “The meaning of Qurbani is sacrifice. Eid-ul-Azha becomes meaningful through sacrificing pettiness, unkindness, pride, and self-centeredness. Let’s share the joy of Eid-ul-Azha, imbued with amicability and a sense of brotherhood.”
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings in phone calls with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Turkey. His Majesty sent them his sincere greetings and heartfelt sentiments for the occasion, and also wished peoples of their countries further progress and prosperity, praying to God Almighty that all Muslims enjoy plenty of bounties and blessings.
These leaders are united in recognizing the profound spiritual significance of the pilgrimage and the values it embodies—unity, devotion, and sacrifice. Their statements offer not just congratulations to the pilgrims, but also reminders of the values of equality, compassion, charity, brotherhood, and selflessness that Hajj and Eid Al-Adha inspire.
As the world joins in the celebration of this significant event, the shared spirit of unity and compassion will continue to resonate across communities, transcending borders and contributing to peace and harmony in our diverse world.