(Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and there is no God save Him. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and all praises are for Him)
EID UL FITR, the greatest festival of Muslims, is being observed by over one and a half billion people worldwide. Every nation has its celebration, and today is our celebration. It is the celebration which marks the end of a month of fasting and sacrifice. It is an occasion for rejoicing and an opportunity for Muslims to gather in joy, as well as in remembrance of those less fortunate. It is a day of graduation for all those who have faithfully observed the commands of God Almighty. It is also an opportunity for all of us to rededicate ourselves, not only to achieving spiritual growth, but also to the cause of peace among all people of the earth. Today, the responsibility is on us as Muslims, to erase the negative stereotype created about Muslims. No Muslim is a weapon of mass destruction nor a person who inspires fear! It is our common challenge and our shared responsibility to create a better world for ourselves and our children.

Fasting is a trial of physical endurance and also a way of developing empathy for the poor and destitute. It is a bridge by which Muslims can reach out to the needy in all communities. Muslims today represent an increasingly important element in the tapestry of human society. Civilization was made stronger by the core values of Islam, we must not allow anyone, within or without of us to destroy that.

Muslims the world over are also united in their commitment to being an integral part of the human family and building a society rich in diversity and grounded in mutual respect. The world is made stronger by the core values of Islam — commitment to family, compassion for the disadvantaged, and tolerance for other human beings and groups.

As the appearance of the new moon brings to a close the holy month of Ramadan, we all pray that it will usher in a year of reconciliation and peace. We extend to all Muslims a blessed celebration of the Eid Al-Fitr and peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead. May peace be with you and your families.
 
Badruddin Hassan
President