Nazarbayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on Eid al-Adha

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has congratulated Kazakhstanis on the Kurban Ait holiday or Eid al-Adha, Tengrinews reports citing the presidential press office.

The Kurban Ait holiday calls people to peace, unity, mutual understanding and compassion, Nazarbayev said. “These days, this holy holiday helps strengthen the unity of the people of Kazakhstan, mutual understanding between different ethnic groups and confessions. Kurban Ait is a time for good deeds. It instills generosity and compassion in people,” Nazarbayev asserted.

According to him, Kurban Ait makes a significant contribution to the strengthening of moral values such as helping the needy, purity of thoughts and good deeds, which, in turn, reinforce the moral foundations of the society.

“I am convinced that creative potential of Islam, which is based on the development of spiritual and moral values, the spirit of patriotism, will further promote peace and cross-confessional harmony in the society. I wish all Kazakhstanis strong health, happiness and prosperity!" Nursultan Nazarbayev said.

On the same day, the Kazakh leader visited Hazrat Sultan mosque in Astana for a prayer, where he once again congratulated the people. “I congratulate all the Muslims in Kazakhstan, neighboring states and in all over the world on this great holiday for all the Muslims in the world - Kurban Bairam. This is a holiday of unity, forgiveness, bridging the gap, when relatives, friends and neighbors gather together and forgive each other their previous misunderstandings, turning to the future with the only goal of asking Allah for prosperity, unity and well-being of our people," Nursultan Nazarbayev said after a mullah said a prayer.

©Akorda press office

"All the conflicts that are unfolding now in the world occur primarily over territory and undefined boundaries. We have resolved this issue, our borders are the borders of friendship and peace. Secondly, conflicts emerge because of ethnic clashes. Putting your nation superior to others is the greatest sin. All people are the same, they are equal before God and came to earth as such. When we respect each other, we contribute to the stability in our country," the Kazakh President said.

©Akorda press office

Sectarian clashes, which can be observed all around the world, also cause conflicts. "We, Kazakhstanis, respect and love our religion Islam, but we also respect all other religions and other faiths of our citizens. We maintain the unity, solidarity and friendship of our people based on that. This is the main essence of today's holiday, when relatives and friends forgive each other past grievances and wish each other happiness. But, in general, when praying to God, Kazakhstanis ask for prosperity, peace and unity of all our people. Let this holy holiday bring prosperity, happiness and peace in every home. Congratulations, dear compatriots!" Nazarbayev concluded.

©Akorda press office

Kurban Ait is a holy Muslim holiday that is celebrated for three days on the 70th day of moon calendar after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan ends. Each year the date changes slightly, for example, this year it fell on September 24, which was a day off in Kazakhstan, September 25 and 26.

On this day, Muslims sacrifice one of the animals - a sheep, cow, goat, buffalo or camel. There is a belief that one who follows the ritual earns the mercy of the Allah.

The meat of the sacrificial animal should be divided into three parts. The family keeps one third, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.

During this holiday, Muslim people also present gifts to each other, pay visits to relatives and close friends.

Reporting by Renat Tashkinbayev, writing by Assel Satubaldina