KUALA LUMPUR: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Aidiladha greetings today to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur conveyed that in Modi's personal message to Anwar, where he highlighted that Aidiladha reminds the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood.
"In his personal message to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Prime Minister of India highlighted that the holy festival of Aidiladha reminds of the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, which are essential components in building a peaceful and inclusive world; and the festival is an integral part of our multicultural heritage and celebrated by millions of Indians of Islamic faith," it said in a statement.
The commission added that Modi also extended his best wishes for Anwar's good health and for the well-being of the people of Malaysia.
Muslim Malaysians today celebrate Aidiladha or the Hari Raya Haji, which is equivalent to Zulhijah 10, 1445 Hijrah.
Aidiladha, which means the 'Feast of the Sacrifice' is one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar.
It honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah's command and Allah's mercy in putting a ram in Ismail's place at the last moment, according to Islamic traditions.
Aidiladha also marks the end of the haj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, when millions of Muslims make the mandatory journey to the holy city in Saudi Arabia.
Muslims will sacrifice cows, goats, lambs, among other animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to Allah and, after that, distribute the meat to family and neighbours as well as the needy.