Festival of the Breaking of the Fast , , Written message of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Muslims of Germany to mark Eid ul-Fitr
Federal President Steinmeier
Source: © Bundesregierung / Steffen Kugler
I send you all my warmest greetings and best wishes as you break the fast at the end of Ramadan. This is normally a joyful and convivial celebration bringing together large numbers of people. After a month of reflection, of contemplation, of renunciation, you celebrate the end of this time of fasting together with family, with friends and acquaintances.
You celebrate with one another – this festival is a part of our shared life in Germany. It unites you with your fellow Muslims, but it also unites you with people of other faiths and of none.
In the last two years, however, this togetherness was put to a difficult test. The pandemic meant that you were unable to gather in large numbers. I know that many of you suffered greatly from being deprived of this. And so I would like to thank you all for doing your part to uphold the strict rules that were necessary to bring the pandemic somewhat under control. Thank you for your prudent, responsible behaviour. Thank you for your solidarity! The pandemic is not yet behind us. But I am delighted that, this year, you are once again able to celebrate with more of your family members, friends and neighbours.
Many of you will have a heavy heart nonetheless. The brutal, illegal war of aggression right here in Europe is shocking and dispiriting for us all. We are deeply distressed by the images of destruction, of the endless suffering of the people of Ukraine. As Federal President, I am grateful for the overwhelming offers of help in our country, the willingness to take in people who have fled war and destruction, who have lost everything. Today I thank you, the Muslim communities, welfare organisations and associations who are helping without hesitation, from the bottom of my heart. You are doing extraordinary work! Your help, your support are an important, an indispensable contribution to our shared life in this country. They strengthen our cohesion as a peaceful, tolerant society.
I wish you all a blessed Eid ul-Fitr despite the dispiriting situation. May your faith bring you comfort and strength at this dark time.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier