May the blessings of Almighty Allah be showered upon you and grace your homes with peace, warmth and love.

These were the words of the Fiji Muslim League national president Hafizud Dean Khan during the auspicious occasion of Eid which was celebrated by Islamic communities around the country yesterday.

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with his two sons and the Minister for Trade, Industry, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya along with members of the Islamic community gathered at the Samabula Mosque to mark Eid-ul-Fitr.

The congregation started the day with the ‘Namaaz’ (prayer) and greeted each other with bright smiles on their faces to mark the end of the 30-day fasting (Ramadan) and wished each other well.

Mr Khan said Eid-ul-Fitr was an auspicious festival characterised by a renewal of faith, commitment to family and community and forgiveness of sins and enmity.

“Over the past month, during the observance of Ramadan, we have honoured our obligation to fast, practise austerity, offer prayers and perform acts of charity,” Mr Khan said.

“The month teaches patience, self-restraint, discipline and spiritual elevation to those who observe it.

“Eid brings happiness, unity and the knowledge that true joy comes from our ability to alleviate the suffering of our needy brothers and sisters.”

Mr Khan told those present at the mosque to use the time of increased spirituality to serve others, to make our neighbourhoods, communities and country a better and a safer place for everyone.

“Let God’s consciousness and spirituality guide our efforts

“Let us pledge to continue to demonstrate the spirit of tolerance and understanding that rests within the hearts of the people of Fiji,” he said.

“To our Muslim brothers and sisters it is my prayer that Almighty Allah blesses your home with happiness, our heart with devotion and our soul with purity,” Mr Khan added.

Edited by Percy Kean

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