As millions of Muslims celebrated Sunday Eid Al-Fitr holiday, world leaders have started sharing warm messages to commend their commitment to Islamic principles of charity and goodwill amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed a heartfelt message to the Muslim community ahead of the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
Today across the country and around the world, Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr and marking the end of Ramadan. To all the Muslim Canadians who are carrying out traditions at home and getting together online, I’m wishing you the very best. Eid Mubarak! https://t.co/wdg90Tokr8pic.twitter.com/gREDMLFfec
“It’s time to give thanks, and show compassion and generosity to those in need. This year, many of the traditions and celebrations will be carried out at home and online,” Trudeau said.
He emphasized that despite COVID-19, “Muslim Canadians have been putting into practice the values at heart of Islam throughout Ramadan.”
“They’ve been helping their neighbors by donating food and supplies to support those less fortunate … [Eid Al-Fitr] an opportunity for all of us to recognize the contributions they have made and continue to make to our country,” he said.
Healing Prayers
In a message from the White House, US President Donald Trump was hopeful that Muslims celebrating Eid would find comfort and strength in the healing powers of prayer and devotion amid the pandemic.
“Over the past weeks and months, as we have fought the coronavirus, we have relied on our faith, family, and friends to help guide us through these unprecedented times,” his message read, The Express Tribune reported.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump sent their best wishes for a joyous Eid.
“Now more than ever we are reminded of the reassuring peace, uplifting love, and heartening fellowship that religion brings into our lives,” the message stated.
US Secretary of State also tweeted and wished Muslim communities across the globe, a blessed and joyful Eid.
On behalf of the @StateDept, I send my best wishes to Muslim communities around the world for a blessed and joyful Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak! pic.twitter.com/H4FJrFP7Y8
The UK’s Prince Charles wished Muslims in the UK and across the world a Ramadan Kareem in a virtual Iftar on Friday.
“In different circumstances, this would have been a joyous time of year mosques would be filling with life, families would be coming together to share food and prayers and many of them would be inviting their neighbors and friends, from all faiths and none, to join them,” the Prince of Wales said in a video.
“I can only begin to imagine how desperately difficult and sad this must be for all of you who cherish this special month and everything it normally brings,” he said, adding: “What has moved me greatly has been hearing all the brilliant work carried out by Muslim volunteers and local initiatives through mosques including working in partnership with temples, churches and other faith groups to support all members of all communities in such a difficult times.”
Prince Charles said: “Many British Muslims will spend this Ramadan on the frontline of the COVID crisis, working in our NHS or other key roles, most tragically I know that a number of highly experienced and invaluable doctors and nurses form the Muslim community have lost their lives due to this pernicious virus. To their families and colleagues, I can only convey my deepest possible sympathy, and to everyone on the frontline of whatever religions, I offer my profound admiration and heartfelt gratitude for all that they are doing for all of us.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Muslims in Russia on Eid al-Fitr, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday.
“Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the celebration of the breaking the fast has a special spiritual meaning, the joy of gaining a new invaluable experience of moral purification and self-perfection. Over the centuries, it has become a custom to celebrate it not only with fervent prayer, but also with paying attention to those who need help and care,” the Russian leader said in his message.
The president noted that Russia’s Muslims treat historic, cultural and religious traditions of their fathers and grandfathers with deep respect and teach the growing generation to observe them.
“The Muslim community of Russia actively participates in the country’s life, makes an invaluable contribution to maintaining international peace and civil harmony in the society, strengthening the institution of the family and educating the youth. And certainly, today, in the face of the spread of a dangerous disease, a responsible humanitarian and charity mission of the Muslim clergy, religious organizations and all Muslims of the country is in high demand and serves to preserve people’s lives and health,” Putin stressed.
The three-day Eid Al-Fitr festival is one of the two main religious celebrations in Islam, together with Eid Al-Adha.
