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Hajj symbolises unity of purpose in diversity- President Rajapaksa
View(s):The Hajj festival symbolises the unity of millions of pilgrims speaking different languages, from different nationalities and cultures in the mission that proclaims the greatness of Allah and the spirituality that Islam has brought to the world, President Rajapaksa said in a Hajj message.
“Several thousand Muslims from Sri Lanka participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, through the facilities provided for this by the Government, to enable them to renew their commitment to the teachings of Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammed, and pray for peace, brotherhood and understanding among all people in the world,” he said.
“The teachings of the Holy Quran have given the Muslims of Sri Lanka the ability to live in harmony with other communities in our country, through many centuries, as they continue to do so today. This spirit of harmony nurtured by their religious teaching, has enabled them to make a significant contribution to the progress of our country,” he added.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe: Hajj displays total rejection of extremism and racism
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe said that the Hajj festival, also known as Eid-al-Adha, symbolises donation.
“Muslims spend their hard-earned money to go on pilgrimage to Mecca and manifest their devotion to God. It is recorded in Islam that this festival where devotees get together without ethnic, caste or colour divisions, should be treated as a world conference,” he stated, adding that it also exhibits the message that there is no place for extremism and racism.
He wished all Muslims a peaceful Hajj.