“Hajj pilgrimage is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam, which should be performed by all Muslims, who are physically and financially capable, at least once in a lifetime. Hajj marks the end of the period during which Muslims across the globe journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to reassure their faith in God. The expenses for the journey will be borne from what they earned through labour.

The Hajj is a religious festival where the pilgrims from all walks of life come together and pray for world peace. The message of equality and unity that they send to the world is important to all nations.

Muslims also commemorate the offer made by Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice the life of his son, Prophet Ismail to God, during this festival. Hajj provides the entire world with the inspiration necessary for leading a life of charity in order to develop peace and collaboration among us.

The festival demonstrates the importance of unity and commitment in guiding the world to achieve long-lasting peace. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, we must be united as a nation to ensure a better future for our country.I wish all Muslims who come together for Hajj and all those who will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha peace and prosperity!”