Obama Sends Greetings To Hajj Pilgrims As Eid-ul-Adha Approaches

As Muslim pilgrims from around the world, including 20,000 Americans, performed the Hajj, President Barack Obama yesterday issued greetings to them in anticipation of tomorrow's observance of Eid-ul-Adha. His statement read in part:

Michelle and I would like to send our best wishes to all those performing Hajj this year, and to Muslims in America and around the world who are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. The rituals of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha both serve as reminders of the shared Abrahamic roots of three of the world’s major religions.

During Hajj, the world’s largest and most diverse gathering, three million Muslims from all walks of life – including thousands of American Muslims – will stand in prayer on Mount Arafat. The following day, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and distribute food to the less fortunate to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son out of obedience to God.

His statement also pointed to U.S. Saudi Arabian cooperation in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus during Hajj ceremonies. The President's statement was also made available in Arabic, Persian, Dari, Urdu, Pashto, Russian and French translations.