The Muslims of Guyana join Muslims all over the world in observing the Holy Month of Ramadan. The blessed month is observed with special acts of devotion to God, such as fasting, prayers, charity and many other acts of generousity towards humanity. Through these acts of worship, the servants of Allah seek to develop spiritual consciousness, closeness with Allah and the moral strength to restrain oneself from committing sins and to live a life of submission to God, Almighty. Additionally, Ramadan is a month in which the beautiful precepts of Islam are exemplified in many practical ways. Muslims spread peace and goodwill to everyone – friends, neighbours, employees and workmates and seek to be at peace with his/her Creator, with himself/herself and with everyone he/she comes into contact with. Thus, the fasting person prohibits from engaging in any argumentation, dispute, or conflict. Furthermore, he/she is required not only to abstain from food, drink and martial relations from dawn to dusk, but to also restrain every organ and limb from committing any act of evil and sin, such as lying, back-biting, cheating, abusive behaviour and unfair dealings.
Moreover, Ramadan trains the Muslims to become responsible members of society and to take their social and civic responsibilities seriously. Notwithstanding, Muslims view with much concern and apprehension, the preponderance of anti-Muslim and Islamophobic articles which are being fed to the nation by certain sections of the media. Muslims view this as rather ominous, since Muslims have always been good neighbours and responsible citizens of our country. We therefore call on the Guyanese people to bear with us in this time of anti-Islamic sentiments, which are designed to undermine the good image of the Muslims of Guyana.
Further, at this time in Ramadan, our prayers go out to our Muslims in Pakistan, Palestine, Niger and every other place where their lives are being shattered by horrendous disasters; ravages of war and acute starvation. Let us allow the true meaning and practice of Ramadan to bring much needed hope and help for suffering people everywhere.
The GIT extends Ramadan greetings to all Guyanese.