At Muslim convention…
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds acknowledged, last Saturday evening, that material things are certainly not all the requirements for a good life.
Consequently, the Government of Guyana supports local religious bodies which provide moral and spiritual education, he told the opening of the National Islamic Convention, at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
In the audience also were President of Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), Mr. Haseeb Yusuf; Minister of Labour, Mr. Manzoor Nadir; Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Robert Corbin and a number of prominent Muslim scholars from overseas.
Mr. Hinds, then performing the functions of the Office of President, remarked that theme of the forum, ‘Purifying Souls, building communities for a better Guyana’ is consistent with Government’s goals to improve the lives of citizens.
He conceded that a large number of people need assistance and, while prayers may help, good works by religious bodies are needed, as well.
Hinds reiterated that Government is in support of the work that religious people do and will continue to do so, as evident in the fact that, two years ago, it agreed to have faith programmes included in the activities for the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA).
He also mentioned that Government is supportive of the MEN programme, among the tangible things which manifest its commitment to the religious bodies.
Hinds said, despite Government’s allocation of money to various programmes aimed at improving the lives of citizens, there is still much more to be done.
He congratulated GIT for organising the conference and on its spiritual and moral values and said he was pleased to be associated with the convention.
In his remarks, Corbin concurred that the teachings of Islam are “very relevant to create the kind of values needed to be our brother’s keeper.”
He agreed that the message of Islam is universal and can be embraced by all.
GIT President Yusuf remarked that it facilitates positive interaction and exposes Muslims to new ideas while encouraging cultural expressions.
Projects
It also highlights GIT’s work and encourages Muslims to aid Islamic projects.
According to him, in spite of some negative portrayal of Islam, the faith continues to grow at an unprecedented rate with at least 13 billion followers at present, representing one-fifth of the world’s population.
Yusuf said, in Guyana, Muslims enjoy relative freedom but more must be done to address the dire needs of the poor and down-trodden.
Muslims have a social and civic responsibility, he noted, adding that imams and leaders should become social activists because many of the social problems in this country stem from a lack of moral responsibility and a betrayal of trust.
Yusuf said, with the GIT committed to the cause of humanity, this year, social justice will be promoted and, in collaboration with the government to improve the social status of citizens.
“We want to build a society free of all forms of discrimination and violence,” he stated.
Yusuf thanked the Government of Guyana for its cooperation in proposed projects, such as the building of a multi-purpose facility at Sophia, Greater Georgetown that will provide moral and spiritual education, family counselling and recreation, as well as the construction of a masjid in the Albouystown community.
He said, for the latter, GIT has already received a donation of land for its construction.
Corbin commended GIT for the work it does, wishing it every success.
A visiting Muslim scholar, Dr. Jamal Badawi said he was pleased to see the cooperative spirit of the Government and the religious groups.
He views it as reflective of the respect for all human beings irrespective of their beliefs.
Badawi, who is a renowned presenter at Islamic conferences worldwide, posited that the betterment of Guyana depends mostly on the spiritual and moral values of the people.
Imam Isfahani Haniff said the conference is one of the hallmarks of GIT, which attracts leading Islamic scholars and dignitaries.