Speech at the fast-breaking meal

By Zhang Chunxian (July 17, 2015)

Dear Islamic leaders and Muslim friends,

Tomorrow is the day to celebrate Eid al Fitr and I am happy to join you for the last fast-breaking meal on the last day of Ramadan. The annual observance is regarded as the most prestigious and holiest month among Muslims. It's also a time for spiritual reflection among Muslims, improving devotion and putting more efforts into following the teachings of Islam. What's more, it's also the time when families get together and enjoy one another's company. Here, I wish Muslims around the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region a happy festival. Eid Mubarak!

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. During those 60 years, the region has gone through tremendous and historical changes. It has entered an era of unparalleled economic and social development since the central work conference on Xinjiang. People from different ethnic groups have all benefited from the fast regional development. Islamic leaders and followers have contributed to the regional development and helped to maintain social stability. The Party and the government want to say thank you for all your efforts.

Freedom of religious belief is the basic right of Chinese citizens and protected by the Constitution and the law on regional national autonomy. For many years, people following Islam and those who believe in other religions or people with no religious affiliation have all lived together in peace in Xinjiang. They jointly uphold peace, unity, justice and dignity in the region and together they have made Xinjiang a better home for everyone. During Ramadan this year, all religious activities were carried out as normal and Muslims have exercised their right of freedom of religious belief. Many people say that Xinjiang's policies on religion are getting better and better. Meanwhile, followers of religion have also experienced more attention and care from the Party and the government than ever before. We are also happy to see that some Muslims voluntarily provided meals to those who were sick during Ramadan and offered help to those in need while some tried to resolve conflicts and disputes caused by others. What's more, we've seen people volunteer help to those in need in Pishan county after the earthquake. People care for each other and keep their obligations to society and other people in mind. They have passed on the positive energy by helping those less fortunate. I hope such spirit can be carried on.

Currently, some parts of the world have witnessed an increasing number of terrorist activities. There is no room for the right of the freedom of religious belief when people cannot even protect their lives. One of the causes of the situation is religious extremism. People in Xinjiang must remember that people will suffer during unrest and live well during peace, so it is important to stay away from religious extremism and follow the right doctrines.

Islam is a global religion and every Muslim has their home country. Islam promotes that "patriotism is a part of the belief", which requires the religion to take the country and the nation's highest interest into consideration. Followers of Islam must follow the country's laws and follow the leadership of the government. Besides being good followers, they must become good citizens first. I hope Islamic leaders and followers can carry on the traditions of "loving the country and religion" and fight any forms of separatism to maintain the country's unity, the dignity of the laws and social stability.

Islam is a religion promoting "peace and unity". The Quran said "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. "(49:13), which means all people come from the same origin so people need to respect each other and live in harmony. Xinjiang is a region of ethnic diversity, which is our character and advantage. We can only achieve social stability and make sure people live a prosperous life when people from different ethnic groups become united. I hope Islamic leaders and followers can cherish ethnic unity as their eyes and lives and protect it from any evil forces that intend to destroy that.

Islam believes in the current life and an after life. The Quran said "But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world."(28:77), which encourages followers not only to follow the teachings but also live a happy life. I hope Islamic leaders and followers can become better off through diligent work and build a better life every year with their own hands.