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Ramazan messages

Muslims have stood for "Amity in Diversity" throughout history

By the Grace of Almighty God, we are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr this year in a much more peaceful environment, after a month of fasting, prayers and charitable deeds during Ramazan, which is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Eid-Ul-Fitr also coincides with the season of festivities wherein there is widespread enthusiasm and optimism among all communities in Sri Lanka.

Fasting teaches us among other things self-discipline, it helps us to control ourselves against lowly desires, to exercise self-restraint and to be patient when faced with adverse conditions.

Muslims of Sri Lanka are going through a critical phase in their history, after experiencing some of the worst conditions are unimaginable in the recent past. Now we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel by the Grace of Almighty Allah, it is prudent for all of us to exercise patience with caution in order to achieve success.

Today, everybody is talking about achieving peace in Sri Lanka. The Government led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has left no stone unturned in achieving this objective.

There are objections from certain quarters that we should not seek peace with our enemies, they should not be trusted and that they deserve to be annihilated! They must take a leaf out of the life of Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him), who was faced with a similar situation of negotiating with the adversaries who were hell-bent on destroying him and his followers.

The Commandment and Authority to do so came directly from God Almighty in the following verses of the Qur'an:

Wa in Janahoo Lissalmi Fajnah Laha, Watawakkal Alallah

(If the enemy inclines towards peace, you too incline towards peace and have trust in Allah) Surah AL Anfal - 8.61

In other words he has commanded the Holy Prophet to follow the art of negotiations. The legendary 'Hudaibiyya Treaty' that the Prophet signed with the enemy (the Quraish) is ample testimony to his magnanimous gestures and a reflection of his clear perception of the 'ground' realities.

I urge all Muslims to continue to pray as they did during Ramazan that permanent peace is dawned upon our motherland and our refugees who have gone through immense hardships for the past decade are returned to their homes. We have already seen a steady flow of people and goods between the North and the South and we must strive our utmost to preserve it.

Muslims have always stood for the 'Unity in Diversity' of this country throughout history. Even during the period of Sinhalese kings, Muslims had displayed their loyalty and patriotism. They had served in palaces of our great kings in various capacities including as advisers on defence and international affairs, especially due to their close affiliations with the Caliphs of the Middle-East, who were the most powerful rulers in the world at that time. The Kings in return even gifted them with lands in this country for their use.

This tradition continued unabated and during our struggle for independence, Muslim leaders such as Sir Mohamed Macan Markar, Dr. T. B. Jayah, Dr. M. C. M. Kaleel, Sir Razik Fareed and Dr. Badi-ud-din Mahmud rubbed shoulders with our national leaders and played a crucial, vital and decisive role in Pre-Independent as well as Post-Independent Sri Lanka. For instance, the historic speech delivered by Dr. T. B. Jayah on attaining independence without strings attached was endeared by our national leaders, including Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake, who testified that Dr. Jayah's speech indeed went a long way in convincing the British to grant us freedom. Hon. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike unhesitatingly gave the credit of the smooth passage of the Dominion Bill to Dr. Jayah.

The 'Ifthar' (breaking fast function) ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this year at 'Temple Trees' is a manifestation of this cordial relationship that exists between our communities and the leaders. Incidentally, this is the first time in the history that a leader of this country has hosted a cross-section of the Muslim community for breaking fast. Muslims indeed feel honoured by this noble gesture of our Hon. Prime Minister.

Now that we have emerged as transformed persons during this holy month, the spirit of endurance and our charitable deeds should always continue with us instead of just restricting them to the month of Ramazan alone.

This will, in fact, grant us success in this world as well as in the hereafter.

May Allah the Almighty accept our good deeds, forgive our sins and grant us eternal peace.

I wish you all a 'Happy Eid-ul-Fitr'.

Eid Mubarak!

Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer, MP, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs

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Ramazan festival this year is significant to all Sri Lankans

In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficient, Most Merciful

The new moon has announced the end of the month of Fasting of Ramazan. Muslims in Sri Lanka and the world over totalling one and half billion are today celebrating the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr as a day of rejoicing. On this happy and auspicious day, I take this opportunity of sending my most heartfelt greetings and warmest wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters.

The Ramazan Festival should have a pleasing sense to all Muslims having passed a whole month in acts of devotion and piety, and having done their duty to God and man through charities, prayers and self-denying observances. Today the Eid Day which terminates the disciplinary period of Ramazan is likewise celebrated with almsgiving and prayers as the first item of the program of the day.

The Ramazan festival in particular this year, is significant to all Sri Lankans as our country after going through two decades of conflict and war is celebrating its first Eid in an atmosphere of peace. In this context, it has become incumbent upon all Muslims to do some reflection amidst the festivities, and to devise methods to seize the opportunity of peace prevailing now, to work and co-operate with all other communities in further accelerating the noble path of achieving total peace with justice, in this our motherland.

It is also a time to take our thoughts to our unhappy brethren in other parts of the world who are being harassed and being coerced into a life of misery and subjugation.

I appeal to all Muslims to work together for the common good of themselves and for all other communicates. All differences, if any, should be ironed out and we should co-operate with each other for the common good of all Sri Lankans. Unity is strength and we cannot unite until and unless we forget self, and work for the progress and welfare of all of us at large.

May Almighty Allah guide us all through these critical times to reach the high ideals ordained by our faith.

Eid Mubarak

Rauf Hakeem, Minister of Port Development and Shipping, Minister of Eastern Development and Muslim Religious Affairs

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Muslims make use of this special day to strengthen brotherhood

I feel it my duty as Minister in charge of the Ministry of Interior and Christian Affairs, which is committed to provide civil services to all alike, to send out my greetings and best wishes to all Muslim brethren of Sri Lanka on the happy occasion when they celebrate the Ramazan Festival ("Idul Fithr") today by observing their religious rituals and observances.

Holy Ramazan is a remarkable month in which Muslims all over the world observe fasting during day time and perform special prayers in the night. Through this ritual, Muslims focus on the difficulties undergone by the poor, helping the needy in various ways as well as invoking the blessing of the God. These noble deeds train the people to promote their lifestyles confirming to the preachings of the Holy Prophet.

It is an attractive arrangement based on the teachings of Holy Prophet Mohammed which oblige all Muslims who are in possession of sufficient main food items to eat on the day of the Festival to give a fixed quantity to their relatives and the poor. It is certainly a praiseworthy step as it makes people happy in celebrating the Festival and promotes the spirit of brotherhood.

I am happy to note that Muslims in our country make use of this special day to strengthen their brotherhood which is an essential ingredient to bring peace and prosperity to the country.

My best wishes go out to all Muslim brethren on this their day of joy and happiness.

John A. E. Amaratunga, Minister of Interior and Christian Affairs

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Ramazan festival - a special event at this stage

Let me join with the Muslim community commemorating Ramazan Festival, having completed one month's fasting period with noble thoughts thereby purifying their mental and physical conditions as preached by the Holy Prophet Mohommed Allah the Almighty.

At this stage when the peace is about to dawn in our country which was under the flames of war for a long time, Ramazan Festival is a special event. It is a great consolation that the Government has laid a very firm foundation for peace to end the calamities, hardships and difficulties suffered by the people of Sri Lanka.

I wish and pray that all parties endeavouring to bring about peace in the country will get the blessings of Allah, the Almighty. May peace reign in the country eternally in the same way as the flames of war had been extinguished during the last year.

Abdul Cader - Minister of Co-operatives

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Ramazam message : Minister Kabeer Hashim

Tertiary Education and Training Minister Kabeer Hashim said the ending of the war and dawn of the peace process had enabled Muslims to celebrate the Ramazan festival on a grand scale this year.

Hushim said the Holy Quran had taught that solutions to problems should be found through the process of disscussion.

It is his fervent wish that the Ramazan day would enable government which is also following such a process to usher in peace and help people of all communities to live in harmony.

Hashim wished all Muslims here and abroad a happy Ramazan.

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Ramazan messages : Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse in a Ramazan message, said the month of Ramazan and Prophet Mohamed's actions had helped to guide the world on the correct path.

The month long fast which is one of the five fundamental duties of the followers of Islam imbibed self discipline and a sense of social responsibility.

The most significant features of this day which are the practising of the religious life propounded in the Quran and the biography of Prophet Mohamed provides an example and inspiration not only to Muslims but all people throughout the world.

Rajapakse concluded his message by wishing all a happy Eid-ul-Fitr.

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Muslims on this day should think of less-fortunate

Muslims throughout the world celebrate this day of Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of rejoicing after a month long fasting during the day. I send my greetings to all my brothers in Islam in Sri Lanka with the fervent prayer that Almighty Allah should bless us all to live in happiness, free of fear and want and in amity with the sister communities in the country.

Muslims on this day should think of the less-fortunate people amongst us and help them in every way possible to uplift them from their down trodden status. The month of Ramazan has prepared every Muslim to physically and morally to condition himself be kind and charitable, to be peaceful and humane, and to be calm and restrained.

In these days of social crisis, it is important that the Muslims all over the country should act with diligence and restraint and refuse to be provoked.

The community is today facing innumerable problems relating to social, political and economic areas and that these are the root causes of friction among communities.

We should understand them well and act with greater responsibility in our dealings with sister communities.

Every Muslim should also act as a peace activist promoting peace and tranquillity in the country. Muslims should also think together and act together in the interest of the whole nation and in the interest of the whole community.

Let us on this sacred day pray to Almighty to turn this country a land of peace and happiness for all its people. Eid Mubarak

A. H. M. Fowzie, MP

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'Islam was founded on five pillars'

Today, Muslims in Sri Lanka and the world over will be celebrating the Eid El Fitr Ramazan Festival, the Festival of Charity in culmination of a month long fast observed during the month of Ramazan.

When one contemplates the sublime goals of fasting its spiritual concepts, one finds that it constitutes an educational institution with its doors wide open for everyone at a certain day in response to the Quranic text: "The month of Ramazan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion of right and wrong" and whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month" (Surah 11.85)

The Holy Quran compiled the verses that command the fast in one piece and within one framework that leaves nothing to be disputed in this topic.

Allah (SWT) says "O ye who believes fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil) : (Surah 11.183)

In addition, the Messenger Prophet Mohammed (SAL) had stated the position and significance of fasting in Islam and the unavoidability of observing it such as his famous saying in the Hadith "Islam was founded on five pillars; the proclamation that there is no deity save. Allah and that Mohammed (SAL) is His Messenger, observing of the five daily prayers, alms giving, fasting during Ramazan and the Pilgrimage to Mecca. We, having obeyed and observed fast are celebrating the Eid-ul-Fitr Ramazan Festival and on this auspicious day, may I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all those who helped and assisted in our Ramazan Ifthar Project and pray to Allah (SWT) to shower his choicest blessings upon you. A'ameen.

Al Haj Jainudeen Ahamath, National President, National Council of YMMAs of Sri Lanka

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Idul-Fitr is known as day of peace

The Muslims in Sri Lanka celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr, the observation of the obligatory fast, for 30 days during the holy month of Ramazan.

Fasting during the Holy month of Ramazan is one of the main duties of Islam laid down for its followers. The reward for the fulfilment of this duty is limitless.

This day is known as a day of peace, because Muslims establish peace in their hearts by obeying the order of the God (Allah), by fasting for one month, which was ordained by Allah. When the Muslims world over celebrate the Eid in the right manner they are actually celebrating the conclusion of a peace treaty between Allah and themselves. We wish all Muslims and men of goodwill the Blessings of Almighty Allah and call upon to engage in prayers, Zikir, Fikir, and good act that would purify our hearts and live in peace and harmony in our beautiful Sri Lanka.

We appeal to all Muslims to conduct special prayers on this day of Eid for peace among the communities, in our country and for peace in the whole world.

Y. L. U. Marikkar, General Secretary, The Islamic Welfare Association

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We sincerely pray Almighty to show his blessings for peace and harmony to prevail

The Muslims all over the country enjoy and celebrates the Ramazan Festival 'Eid-ul-Fitr' today after a tiresome experience of fasting for one whole month continuously. Undoubtedly this experience mould the character and behaviour of those who fasted. On the whole, one has attained purification of one's soul and body.

Having suppressed and buried the evil qualities such as hatredness selfishness, jealously, vergence, revenge and all other inhumans qualities which are not acceptable in society, during the holy month of Ramazan, by way of fasting we urge the Muslims to join together unitedly with other ethnic groups and maintain peace in the country to make our beautiful isle prosperous once again.

We sincerely pray, Almighty Allah to shower his choicest and beautiful blessings on this blessed day, for peace and harmony to prevail in this beautiful isle of ours - Aameen.

Hussain Ismail A. Barry, Hon. Secretary General, All Ceylon Moor's Association

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No festival will be happy occasion without peace

At a time when we are rejoicing the successful completion of yet another Holy Month of Ramazan, I appeal to the Muslims to pray for the success of the peace process that is currently being pursued by our Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. No festival will be a happy occasion, if there is no peace in our Motherland.

The Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims have all been victims and losers in this civil war. There are and will be no winners in this ethnic conflict that has gone on for almost two decades. Our Motherland has suffered enough and let us end this suffering once and for all.

I also take this opportunity to appeal to all political parties to shed their differences and give a hand for the success of the peace process.

May the peace and blessings of Allah, the Almighty be upon us all.

May peace prevail!

Al Haj. M. Cassim Fuad, President, Colombo Grand Mosque Inc.

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May this Eid-ul-Fitr be a means for Muslims to live with majority in harmony

The month of Ramazan is thrice blessed. The month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet (Sal) to guide mankind to the abode of felicity. It is the month of mercy, of forgiveness and deliverance from the fire of Hell.

May this Eid-ul-Fitr be a means for the Muslim community to continue to live in harmony with the majority community and others equally. Let there be peace and serenity in our Mother Sri Lanka, to which end our hon. President too has contributed immensely, to achieve this end.

I also wish that the people of Sri Lanka, be honest, sincere and united, in all their dealings. This will ensure the goal envisaged by our Hon. President too.

Eid Mubarak

M. Fawzan Anver, SLFP Youth Organisation, Vice president - National Muslim Organiser

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We thank govt for giving us all facilities for Ramazan

On this happy occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, we pray Allah to strengthen the hands of all Muslims who sincerely and wholeheartedly work for peace and harmony which alone could ensure prosperity for all. We wish each and everyone of you a prosperous and contended future.

We thank the Government for giving us all facilities for Ramazan and wish the Prime Minister long life, happiness, strength for a Noble Award for taking all crucial steps for a lasting peace.

A. R. M. SIDDIQ, President, Dematagoda, Qurashani Moulana YMA, Colombo.

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Muslims of SL back Govt's efforts to restore peace and a just society

We take this opportunity when Muslims in Sri Lanka are rejoicing on this day, to congratulate the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the United National Front Government on their commitment to breathe the winds of peace throughout Sri Lanka by extending a hand of sincere friendship which should be firmly grasped by all to usher in peace among all communities and bring peace and prosperity to all people of our Motherland.

We, Muslims of Sri Lanka back the Government's efforts to restore peace and a just society.

Let our fervent prayer on this holy day of Ramazan be for peace, harmony, tolerance, understanding and brotherhood.

I wish all Muslims a very happy 'Eid Mubarak'

M. Ruzaik Farook, President, Sri Lanka Islamic Society.

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Let us pray together for permanent peace of Motherland

Let us pray together for the permanent peace of our motherland on this holy day of Ed-ul-Fitr Ramazan Festival.

The peace process initiated out by the Government and the LTTE has brought a confidence among all citizens of Sri Lanka. This peaceful situation should continue and the permanent peace should be reached us soon. Everyone of this country should live in peace and harmony. Then only our country can achieve development in all areas.

It is the duty of all Muslims to support the peace process carried out by the Government. Muslims will be misled by those who do not desire peace in our country.

Islam always stresses peace among communities. On a holy day as this Edd-ul-Fithr it is the duty of Muslims to give heed to this important thought.

Let us all pray together to the Almighty Allah for the peace forever. Edd Mubarak

Alhaj Shaul Hameed Mohamed, President of the Democratic Muslim League and Chief Opposition Whip of the Western Province Provincial Council

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