The Islamic Association of China (IAC) held a reception in Beijing Thursday to celebrate the 'Id al-Qurban, or feast of sacrifice, a major Islamic festival at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and Abdul'ahat Abdulrixit, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the reception to extend congratulations.

Diplomatic envoys to China from 13 Arabic and Islamic countries, foreign Muslim experts, scholars, leaders of the IAC were also invited.

On behalf of all Chinese Muslims, Chen Guangyuan, president of the IAC, sent good wishes to Muslims both at home and abroad, especially those from the countries ravaged by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

"The Chinese Muslims are deeply concerned about the situation of the Muslims in those countries ravaged by the tsunamis and would pray for them," he said, adding Chinese Muslims have carried out donations to that effect.

He also said more than 5,100 Muslims sent by IAC are participating in the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca this year.

The three-day festival is marked by some 10 ethnic groups in China, including Hui and Uygur. China has more than 20 million Muslims in different ethnic groups.

Source: Xinhua