In an Eid Message to the Muslim community in Britain, the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said:
I am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
I am aware that Eid al-Fitr is a special time of year for Muslim communities in the UK and all across the world. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan - the month of fasting for Muslims, which is also the month of charity, family, contemplation, and recitation of the Qur'an.
I know Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but also a day of gratitude for the everyday blessings we enjoy in life. It brings together friends and families, and encourages Muslims to continue the teachings from the month of Ramadan throughout the rest of the year- particularly the lessons of giving, community and charity. These shared values are reflected in the generosity that British Muslims have shown over the years in helping those less fortunate than themselves across the world.
At this special time for Muslim communities we can also reflect on the tremendous contribution of British Muslims to British life over many decades.
Eid al Fitr is a festival that we can all learn from.
My best wishes to you and your family. Eid Mubarak
The Foreign Secretary said:
"I am delighted to send my good wishes to Muslim communities in Britain and around the world for Eid al-Fitr.
During Ramadan, right at the beginning in fact, I held a memorable Iftar at the Foreign Secretary's official residence in London, where we had a chance to talk to British Muslims about the themes of Ramadan - about the commitment to not just family life but to compassion in the wider community.
I know that Eid al-Fitr is a time of joyous celebration in the Muslim communities and it's also a chance for the rest of Britain to understand the motivations of Britain's many Muslim communities.
I send my very good wishes on this important occasion and I look forward to a successful year ahead."
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