PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday issued the following statement on Eid al-Adha:

“Today at sundown, Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate Eid al-Adha and mark the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

“Eid al-Adha is one of the most sacred dates in Islam, commemorating the sacrifice and devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

“During this time, Muslims across Canada will gather to pray at their local mosques, share meals with loved ones, and provide food to those in need. As Muslim communities celebrate Eid with kindness, selflessness, and charity, let us remember that these values are also Canadian values.

“Celebrations will be sombre this year, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold. The scale of human suffering in Gaza, including in Rafah, is catastrophic. We reaffirm the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and long-lasting peace in the region.

“Amid the rise in Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism across our communities, we’re standing up against all forms of hate, including through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028. With Budget 2024, we’re also increasing funding for the Security Infrastructure Program, protecting communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes.

“Muslim communities have helped build the strong and diverse Canada we know and love, and we will always stand with them.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend warm wishes to everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha.

“!عيد مبارك

“Eid Mubarak!”

PREMIER David Eby said: “Eid al-Adha, which begins this evening at sundown, is one of the holiest celebrations in Islam, marking the end of the Hajj. Muslims in British Columbia and around the world will mark this sacred holiday with prayer and sacrifice.

“The celebration is a reminder of the importance of sharing, gratitude and caring for others as fundamental parts of the Muslim faith.

“Friends and family will gather to exchange gifts and share meals. Donations to the poor and needy are an integral part of the holiday.

“This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the many contributions Muslim Canadians have made to our province and country. The values of empathy and service have helped make British Columbia a better place.

“Best wishes for a wonderful celebration to all who observe Eid al-Adha. Eid Mubarak!”

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Today, Muslims across Canada and around the world will come together to celebrate Eid al-Adha – the festival of sacrifice.

“Eid al-Adha marks the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son and his faith being rewarded. Muslims will come together with friends and family, guided by Ibrahim’s devotion, to pray, reflect, and provide for those in need.

“As we mark the end of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, I want to give my heartfelt congratulations to all Canadians who made the long journey this year.

“On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, I would like to wish you all a joyous Eid al-Adha.

“Eid Mubarak!”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said: “Today at sundown, Muslims around the world are gathering to celebrate Eid al-Adha, and marking the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.

“On behalf of New Democrats, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrating this momentous occasion. We wish you all—as well as the many performing the holy pilgrimage of Hajj—peace and comfort.

“Eid al-Adha is a time of prayer and spiritual reflection. For many, this Eid is a difficult time as a humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Gaza and Sudan. Many are thinking about their relatives and friends who are stranded in war zones. New Democrats are with you, fighting every day, pressuring the government to do everything possible to bring relatives to safety in Canada and to put an end to the violence that has taken too many innocent lives.

“On this day, Muslims will show the world their deep and genuine values of kindness and generosity in helping those in need. As you gather in prayer hoping for a peaceful and more just future, New Democrats join you in that hope. We will also continue to stand up and work together to fight against anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate and build a country where everyone is safe in the communities they love.

“To everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha, New Democrats are joining you in strength, solidarity and in hope for a brighter future for all.

“Eid Mubarak!”