Political and religious leaders across Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia extended greetings to Muslim communities on Thursday for Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important holidays, calling for peace, solidarity and compassion amid regional and global challenges.
In Albania, President Bajram Begaj offered his wishes on social media, describing the holiday as a celebration of faith and sacrifice.
“Eid al-Adha is the day on which Muslim believers come closer to God. It is the triumph of sincere sacrifice and belief,” Begaj wrote. “This holiday is an everlasting testimony that sacrifice, patience and love give people inner peace and overcome selfishness, hatred and greed. From the heart, I wish all Muslim believers and all Albanians more kindness and joy in their families. Happy Eid and may you be under God’s protection.”
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a symbolic photo on social media but did not issue a written message. Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, also sent greetings.
“To all Muslim believers, I wholeheartedly wish a blessed Eid al-Adha. May your sacrifices and prayers be accepted by God on this holy night for the good of your families and all of Albania,” Berisha wrote.
In Kosovo, thousands of worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque in central Pristina for morning prayers. Muslim community leader Naim Tërnava delivered a message calling for mercy, reflection, and compassion.
“It is a day when we remember God’s mercy, His forgiveness, and the blessings He grants us,” Tërnava said. “It is a day when, as believers and as a society, we turn more toward one another with compassion, solidarity and responsibility.”
President Vjosa Osmani described the holiday as a call to reflect on core human values. “This holiday embodies the spirit of solidarity and reminds us of the importance of sacrifice, dedication, and helping one another,” she said in a statement.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti also emphasized unity and generosity. “This holiday reminds us how important it is to give and share with one another, in harmony and love,” Kurti wrote.
Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, visited the Islamic Community of Kosovo to offer his best wishes, expressing hope for national progress. “This holiday is also about sacrifice — about being close to those in need,” he said. “A great mutual solidarity has been demonstrated. I hope God opens our paths as a people, because we deserve development and a better future for our country.”
In North Macedonia, ethnic Albanian political leaders also marked the occasion with messages highlighting spiritual values and national unity.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said the values of Eid al-Adha should inspire mutual respect and solidarity. “This great holiday reminds us that only with understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility can we build a more humane society,” she said in a public message. “I wish all believers joy and harmony in their homes.”
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski emphasized coexistence and unity. “Eid al-Adha is a celebration of devotion, sacrifice and family,” he said. “May this holiday bring peace and understanding among all people in our country. I extend my sincere congratulations to all Muslim believers.”
Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), said the day should serve as a reminder of the values of sacrifice and faith.
“This holy day reminds us of the values of sacrifice, solidarity, and unwavering belief — values that have guided our people throughout history,” Ahmeti said in a message. He also urged social reflection and the strengthening of community ties.
Menduh Thaçi, head of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA), called for unity and harmony. “Let this sacred day bring more understanding and strengthen our national and spiritual values,” he wrote.
Arben Taravari, leader of the Alliance for Albanians (AA), emphasized the spiritual dimensions of the holiday while drawing attention to suffering in Gaza. “The world today needs God’s values more than ever. Gaza cries out from death! For the sake of God, stop this massacre!” Taravari wrote.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims around the world mark the holiday with prayers, charitable giving, and the ritual slaughter of animals, with portions of the meat distributed to those in need.