US President Joe Biden extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the Muslim world and stressed on the recommitment towards peace as he reflected on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Sudan.
US President Joe Biden reflected on the ongoing humanitarian crisis during the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan, as he extended Eid al-Fitr wishes to Muslims across the world.
“As Muslim families and communities come together for Eid al-Fitr, they are also reflecting on the pain felt by so many. My thoughts are with those around the world enduring conflict, hunger, and displacement, including in places such as Gaza and Sudan,” Biden wrote on his official X handle.
The US President stressed that it was time for recommitment towards peace.
“Now is the time to recommit to the work of building peace and standing for the dignity of all,” he said.
The White House also extended wishes to Muslims across the country as well as the world on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
“The Biden-Harris Administration wishes Muslims across the country and around the world a blessed Eid al-Fitr,” the White House posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
“Eid Mubarak!” the post read.
Sunak extends Eid greetings
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, also greeted Muslims in the country and across the world on the occasion of Eid.
In a video message, Sunak wished “Eid Mubarak to Muslims celebrating across the UK” and thanked people from the community for their contribution across many fields in the nation.
“After the long month of fasting, I wish you all the joy of this festival that brings people together for thanks and reflection. And at this special time, I want to say an enormous thank you, not just for your contribution in so many different fields, from the NHS to business, politics and the armed forces, but for your generosity, hard work, commitment to service, and for your compassion to those in need,” Sunak said in the personalised video that he shared on his official X handle.
Sunak said the UK was also working towards ensuring that the British Muslims felt secure in the country.
“Here in the UK also, we’re working to make British Muslims feel secure and tackle sickening and utterly unacceptable hatred. That’s why we’ve committed over £29 million every year for the next four years, to help protect the mosques, faith schools and community venues,” Sunak said.
“But for now, as people gather together to pray and spend time visiting family and friends, I simply want to wish you and Muslims around the world a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he added.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival is of great significance due to the moon sighting, which has been part of Islamic culture for a long time.
It is believed that Prophet Muhammad used to wait for news of sightings of the crescent moon as it indicated the beginning of a new month.
Ending the holy month of Ramzan and starting a new spiritual journey also marks the beginning of a new Islamic year. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the month-long Ramzan fasting and the beginning of Shawwal which is the tenth month per the Islamic calendar.
Since the observance of the moon is essential for ending Ramzan month and celebrating Eid, it is celebrated in different parts on different days usually with a one-day difference.
(With ANI inputs)
