In addition to the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr by Muslims around the world, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Media Line have extended joyous wishes to the entire Muslim community. The WCC's general secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, sent a letter to His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmad el-Tayeb expressing gratitude and celebration for the sacred time marking the end of Ramadan. The letter emphasizes the Islamic principles of compassion, solidarity, and living a life of dignity and peace as beacons of hope and strength for humanity. The WCC stands in solidarity with Muslims and aims for a world where every person can lead a life marked by dignity, peace, and prosperity. The organization values interreligious dialogue and cooperation and seeks to forge pathways of understanding and contribute to the common good of all. The Media Line, a news organization committed to providing accurate reporting on the Middle East and North Africa, also extends warm wishes for Eid al-Fitr. They aim to bridge gaps in understanding and invite readers to support their mission and contribute to a world that values empathy and informed dialogue.
UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have also extended Islamic New Year greetings to the people of the UAE and the Islamic world. The UAE will observe a holiday on Sunday, July 7, for private sector employees in celebration of the occasion. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) declared the holiday on the occasion of Hijri New Year, which falls on Muharram 1 and marks the start of the new Hijri year 1446 AH. The UAE will also have holidays for the Prophet Muhammad's birthday and National Day.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has also expressed his good wishes to the nation and the Ummah on the beginning of the new Islamic year. He prayed for the peace, stability, progress, and prosperity of both. He also prayed for relief for Muslims facing atrocities across the globe, including the oppressed Kashmiri people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine. The prime minister called for an end to the oppression and atrocities in these areas and for the dawn of peace, progress, and prosperity. He highlighted the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the battle of virtue and evil, emphasizing their courage, sacrifice, and passion against oppression. He urged the nation to follow the qualities set by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions, promoting tolerance, mutual respect, social justice, equality, and sympathy. The prime minister acknowledged the economic challenges and the country's progress but emphasized the need to strive for a better life for the common man and the path of progress and prosperity. He called for unity and setting aside differences for the bright future of Pakistan. [b8d29e96] [8b21ca17] [d5ca1f10]