Issued by The Presidency
22 February 2002
On behalf of the President and the South African government, I would like to congratulate all Muslims who have successfully performed the Haj and wish all Muslims a happy Eid-ul-Adha.
Eid-ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, immediately follows the last day of the Haj, when millions of pilgrims assemble on Mount Arafat. This festival is celebrated throughout the Muslim world through acts of kindness and charity to the less fortunate in society as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of truth and faith.
The Haj and the Eid-ul-Adha are powerful reminders to all of humanity of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equality and concern for the dispossessed and the poor. This year the message of Eid-ul-Adha is of particular importance to our country, a year in which all South Africans have been challenged to lend a hand in the national effort to build a better life for all.
I would like to commend South African Muslims for their ongoing support and contributions towards our Government's efforts at improving the lot of our brothers and sisters on the Continent and elsewhere in the world.
Eid Mubarak!
Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda at 082 782 2575