MOSCOW, October 3 (RIA Novosti) — British Prime Minister David Cameron has issued a message to Muslims on the advent of Eid al-Adha, sending his "best wishes" and stating that British Muslims are "the most giving faith community" in the country.
"I want to send my best wishes to Muslims in Britain and around the world observing Eid al-Adha. This festival of sacrifice is a chance for us to come together and to reflect upon those less fortunate, especially those forced to make sacrifices themselves," Cameron was cited as saying on the UK government's official website Friday.
The minister stated that he "above all" thought of those suffering in conflicts. "The displaced in Iraq, the beleaguered in Syria, the wounded in Gaza, the exposed in Eastern Europe – these people are giving up all they have to protect their families."
Muslims from all over the world have helped to "build up Britain's businesses, run our public services and strengthen our society", Cameron said.
"People here in Britain are giving what they can to help those in need – especially British Muslims, who are the most giving faith community in this country. This Eid, we will be thinking of those at the mercy of these conflicts and come together to pray for peace."
Eid al-Adha, the "feast of sacrifice", is an important Muslim holiday, which lasts for three days and commemorates prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son on Allah's orders. The holiday is to begin on October 4.
According to the most recent census of the United Kingdom, which was conducted in 2011, there were over 2.7 million Muslims living in Britain.
