Message of the Leader of the JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe for ‘Hajj’ festival
Today (28th) is the Hajji Festival venerated by Muslim devotees all over the world. They engage in special religious observances on this day. Today is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at Allah’s request. Muslim devotees also believe that Beloved Nabee decided today to be a day of unique donations. This event too is celebrated today.It is during this season that Muslim devotees undertake ‘Eid al-Adha’ the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage is once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. It is the fifth commandment and also a form of worship that involves the entire being: body, mind and soul.The ‘Hajj’ could be considered as a festival that strengthens such qualities as unity, mutual cooperation and fraternity within the society. Hence, it is an ideal not only for Muslims but other communities as well.The JVP extends its warm wishes for all Muslim devotees in Sri Lanka who celebrate ‘Hajj’ today.
Somawansa Amarasinghe,
Leader,
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.
28.11.2009
