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| Sunday, 1 February 2004 |
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by Al Haj A.H.M. Azwer, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs: "The most fascinating feature of the Haj is the spirit of enchantment, devotion and self-effacement which pervades the entire pilgrimage from the beginning to the end. In the soulful melodies in the prayer, supplication and repentance that fill the atmosphere constantly, the vital element, that indescribable quality is still present which infuses a new life, imparts a new keenness, instills a new hope and revives the languishing flame of love and evokes the Mercy of the Lord. "The Haj is a victory for Islamic universalism, transcending racial linguistic or territorial nationalism. To visit the birthplace of Islam, to tread the sacred ground of the Holy Prophet's struggle to call erring humanity back to God and to relive those hallowed by the memories of Holy Prophet Muhammad's long toil and sufferings in glorious years of sacrifice and martyrdom, is to have one's soul kindled by that celestial fire which lighted the whole earth. "The Haj plays a vital role in the protection of the spiritual roots of the Muslim millet which is still inspired by the ideals associated with Prophet Hazrath Ibrahim, which can be described as simplicity, profundity, uprightness, fidelity, tenderness, love and dedication. "The message of the Haj is of particular importance at a time when our government under the inspiring leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe is relentlessly pursuing the path of peace to enthrone a system of government acceptable to all communities. We in this country can derive inspiration from the ideals of the Haj which has such a splendid record of success in uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity and of endeavour so many and so various races of mankind. "I hope that this Haj festival brings a message of hope, joy, celebration, fulfilment, national reconciliation, integration, peace and harmony to everyone." From S. Alavi Mowlana, Governor, Western Province "I consider it a great privilege to send a message of felicitation on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha which is being celebrated tomorrow. My thought goes to millions of faithfuls who are gathered in the House of Allah, just to oblige His call of duty. The chants that pervade the air ring with millions of supplications Oh! Almighty !! Here we are !!! There is no god but Allah!! What is central to these recitals is that we have no desires or aspirations but to obey His commands and Edicts and nothing else. "It may be the reason why it is called the Feast of the Sacrifice. Sacrifice connotes a deeper perspective in the religion of Islam. Apostle Ibrahim Alaihissalam showed us what sacrifice is and the reward for total commitment despite painful experiences. Contentment in times of adversity, patience in the light of provocation and share what you have with others are the main lessons through these pilgrimages and rituals. "Hence my fellow brothers and Hajjis - your stature and standing among the society have risen to considerable height. Islam enjoins you to live up to these great expectations once you return after visiting Holy Kaaba, Rawdha Shareef and other Holy places. "On a joyous occasion such as this, it is our bounden duty to pay a little attention on those whose lives are in miserable condition. The plight of the displaced people, mostly Muslims, has not been properly attended to. The volatile situation in the East is not abating. The need of the hour is the divine intervention. Let's pray that Almighty Allah safeguard the oppressed". From M. Ruzaik Farook, President, Sri Lanka Islamic Society: "Muslims of Sri Lanka join the rest of the world to celebrate the festival of sacrifice. "Haj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. To perform Haj at least once in lifetime, is the duty of every affluent Muslim. "Haj, is called the festival of sacrifice, because of the sacrifices made by the Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihisalathu Wassalam) his wife Hajara and son Ismail to adhere to the commands of Almighty Allah in fulfilling his obligation. "Millions of Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world are performing Haj in the Holy city of Mecca to remember the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihisalathu Wassalam). "On this holy day we pray to Almighty Allah to restore much needed peace and understanding among our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters and usher in peace and harmony among all communities." |
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