The Islamic Association of China (IAC) held a reception in Beijing Tuesday to celebrate the Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, a major Islamic holiday that falls at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Representatives from the National People's Congress, National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the State Council attended the reception.

Diplomatic envoys to China from about 30 Arabic and Islamic countries were invited to be present.

Chen Guangyuan, president of the IAC, sent his good wishes to both domestic and overseas Muslims.

"In the past half century, the IAC has played an important role in giving full scope to traditional Islamic culture and maintaining the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese Muslims," Chen said at the reception.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, the IAC will conduct an investigation on the history and current situation of Islam in China's west, according to Chen.

The three-day festival is marked by some 10 ethnic groups in China including the Hui and Uygur. More than 2,000 Chinese Muslims are participating in the annual hajj this year, Chen added.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2003)