Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Eid Mubarak to all Muslims across Canada and throughout the world celebrating the end of Eid al-Adha.
I have the honour of hosting this year's Eid dinner on Parliament Hill with the Association of Progressive Muslims, organized by the tireless efforts of Mobeen Khaja.
As one of the oldest Islamic celebrations, Eid al-Adha commemorates not only the end of the Hajj, but it also commemorates the great trials of faith and triumph in the life of the prophet Abraham. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is also a time of forgiveness and compassion when Muslims in Canada and around the world take time to consider the most disadvantaged members of society, to donate to the poor and share a meal with less advantaged members.
Eid al-Adha is also an occasion for Canadians of different backgrounds to see first hand the rich cultural and religious mosaic of Canada, which is one of its defining features.
On this blessed occasion, I wish each member peace, happiness, prosperity and a happy Eid.