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Eid-Ul-Fitr
18/09/2009
The celebration of Eid is a fitting time to reflect on the positive impact that the Muslim community has on Scotland, First Minister Alex Salmond said in a special Eid message released today.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival that comes at the end of Ramadan, which is a holy month of fasting. In Scotland Eid is due to be celebrated shortly.
In the message, recorded in the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister said:
"On behalf of the Scottish Government, I am delighted to send my sincere and warmest wishes to Muslims all across the country - everyone who is celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr.
"Now this is a special time for the Muslim community as it marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. During this month of fasting, Muslims remember those who cannot take their next meal for granted, and we reflect on our society's shared obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
"Particularly during Ramadan, Muslims are also encouraged to spend time with their families, be kind to others and give regularly to charity. These are all important values that every Scot should share, irrespective of faith.
"We have a long and proud tradition in Scotland of welcoming people from all religions, races and backgrounds. This is our year of Homecoming and it was Robert Burns, whose 250th anniversary we are celebrating, who said " A Man's A Man for A' That".
"Our Muslim communities have had a hugely positive impact in Scotland over the years. I think of people such as my friend Bashir Ahmad, Scotland's first ever Muslim MSP who died earlier this year. Bashir made an immense contribution to our country, he was a proud Scot and also a proud Muslim. We all miss him very much indeed.
"The celebration of Eid is a fitting time to reflect therefore on the impact that Muslims such as Bashir have had on Scotland, and indeed the rest of the world. From philosophy and Islamic arts through to science and business, that influence is at the heart of our strongest communities, it is distinctive, and it is positive.
"On this note I extend my very best wishes to Muslims across the world, particularly to their friends and families in Scotland, for a happy and joyous Eid. Eid Mubarak to everyone."