PM sends Eid al-Adha message

20 December 2007

Gordon Brown has sent his congratulations to members of the Muslim community celebrating Eid al-Adha from today.

In a Downing Street statement, the PM sent his best wishes and spoke of the "tremendous contribution" made by Muslims to British life.

The PM said:

"I am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha. At this special time for our Muslim communities we can also reflect on the tremendous contribution of Muslims to British life over many decades."

Read the statement

I am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha means the "Feast of Sacrifice," and commemorates the devotion of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and marks the close of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. As one of the most auspicious events in the Muslim calendar, Eid al-Adha brings friends and families together, and encourages Muslims to think about those less fortunate than themselves. As such, it is a festival that we can all learn from.

At this special time for our Muslim communities we can also reflect on the tremendous contribution of Muslims to British life over many decades.

My best wishes to you and your family. Eid Mubarak.

• Read the statement in Arabic, pdf 115kbs (new window)
• Read the statement in Urdu, pdf 37kbs (new window)

Image copyright: Reuters