Eid-ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, marking the end of the month-long fast. Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with significant religious significance. Happiness surrounds the ambience with attainment of the spiritual blessings after a month of fasting. We dress in beautiful attire and attend special family gatherings. We greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace, love and brotherhood and visit friends and relatives.

For Muslims, Eid ul Fitr is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory and peace, of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.

Allah (SWT) has once again bestowed on us the blessings of Eid, an occasion to increase our good deeds. Each Eid marks the conclusion of an important period of worship, and the determination to continue in obedience and submission to Allah (SWT). In moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a Muslim never forgets his Creator’s Greatness, Might, Glory, and Watchfulness.

On this occasion we also spare a thought for the less fortunate ones who, due to poverty and deprivation, are condemned to a life of misery and sufferings. A true joy can be felt only when it is widely and genuinely shared with many. On this day, therefore, let us pledge to strive to help the needy and the poor, alleviate their sufferings and enable them to participate in the festivities of Eid.

While we rejoice, we remind ourselves that there can be no occasion, no moment so joyous, that we forget our peoples' great sacrifices around the world. Especially, those of our orphans and victims of wars in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and Chechnya. And the innocent prisoners suffering toture and humiliation in worldwide detention camps.

On this day of Eid, we wish you all “Eid Mubarak”, and that with love and respect, unity and brotherhood, May Allah bless all of us and may the lessons we have learnt in the month of Ramadhan permeate our hearts and limbs and spread to the wider community so that we may all succeed in putting Allah first in our lives. Ameen