Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Overnight, Muslim communities in Australia and around the world will be celebrating Eid al-Adha. Eid is a celebration that brings together all the Abrahamic faiths. The story of the Koran, the Torah or the Bible is the same, described as either Abraham or Ibrahim; the son described as either Isaac or Ishmael. But, in each of the faiths, it's a story of sacrifice and a story of faith. The rituals of the hajj pilgrimage coincide and have their roots in the story of the prophet and emphasise the importance of faith and patience in times of hardship.

Early in the morning, at sunrise, many Australians will be finding their way to mosques and echoing choruses of peace and unity as family, friends and communities gather to share blessings and well-wishes for the safe return of loved ones from the hajj. Children will be in their brand-new clothes and there will be a spirit of peace and goodwill that those communities will be wishing to all Australia. To all of those celebrating from here in parliament, I wish people an Eid Mubarak and express—as I think it is important to do—gratitude for what people from every part of the world bring to this country.