The British Prime Minister Gordon Brown conveyed the following Eid greetings to the Muslim community:

"During this Feast of Sacrifice our thoughts turn to what it means for Muslims to perform Hajj and what this act of pilgrimage and devotion means for everyone who wants to learn from the great tradition of Islam.

 For me, the inspirational thing about the act of Hajj is the great restlessness it shows in the Ummah - the great stirrings for justice that reside in the Muslim heart. When people are drawn from each corner of the world, inspired by a shared and ancient ideal to act as one in the service of a better world - then it summons in us a truly modern hope that we can build a global society characterised by fairness and cooperation and respect.

 At this special time for the Muslim community we can also reflect upon and celebrate the tremendous contributions of British Muslims to our national life.

 Please accept my warm best wishes on this auspicious occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

Eid Mubarak

The Foreign Secretary said:

 I am delighted to be sending you my best wishes on the special occasion of Eid al-Adha. As Muslims all over the world, including in Britain, celebrate with their families, it is a good moment to reflect on the message that Eid carries for us all.

Eid Al Adha marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. It commemorates the sacrifice and steadfastness of the prophet Abraham, forefather of Muslims, Christians and Jews alike. These two qualities, of sacrifice and steadfastness, are ones that must guide what we do - in our families, in our communities, and in how we act in the world.

I wish you and your families a peaceful Eid al-Adha.

Eid Mubarak.

David Miliband