International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force Commander Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal provided his Eid Greetings to the Afghan people today. The complete text of McChrystal's Eid Greeting, as delivered in English, is provided below.

Salaam. Eid Mubarak.(Dari) Akhter de mubarak sh-a . (Pashto)

I would like to wish the people of Afghanistan and all Muslims around the globe a very happy Eid.

Every year, nearly three million Muslims both men and women representing more than 120 different countries, make their spiritual journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

This is a very special day as you celebrate the festivities of Eid Al-Adha, renewing friendships and sharing your blessings with the less fortunate. Also, this is a time when you, the great Afghan people, with a deep tradition of hospitality, generosity and love of your land reaffirm your commitment to your country in time of need. I believe this is a defining moment for you the people, your government and the international community to work together with clarity of purpose and clear conscience towards stability, peace and development. Let us use the great principles of your great religion such as honesty, integrity, justice, freedom and equality to rebuild Afghanistan.

Once again, Happy Eid. I would like to conclude my best wishes to you with this beautiful Afghan poem.

Dil ba dist awer ke haj-e akbar aest

Az hazaaran Kaba yek dil behter aest.

Thank you. God bless you.

The meaning of poem: try to reach out and touch someone's heart
Because, winning one heart is better than making thousand haj-es.

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