ALLOW me to share Eid sentiments as we close this year’s Ramadan.
I must say that, with elections coming up, you are more keen to learn what Muslims may have learnt from this month of self-discipline. I would like to reiterate that the same mannerisms displayed during this month should allow us enough fuel to serve and participate in the upcoming elections with honesty, lack of violence and true patriotism.
Muslims have learnt that during the fasting hours they must not swear nor lie, they must not back bite nor cheat, and their fast will be much more sacred if they give alms and attend the mosques. Let this spirit of brotherhood be realised in this country as we take on another impactful but necessary event in our blessed democratic nation. As you can see, what we are enjoying right now, thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors, others are giving up lives and wealth for in other parts of the world.
The tragic famine in the Horn of Africa should also remind us that with zakaat and feeding a fasting person, so easily done in Ramadan, this selflessness must remain with us throughout, as we too had our fair share of deprivation in our past history. While people walk for hours for water, we now have running taps. While mothers cannot bury their dead and fathers cannot find their sons, we do have ours just a text message away. Let us see each other as brothers and sisters. Love more than anger is the legacy of the successful, as the late Canadian Jack Layton said.
I would like to remind our people that hope and love abide in the veins of Guyanese. When I was home recently I witnessed it again as much as I always referenced the diversity of Guyana as the true model of harmonious living. One late night on my way from Berbice, I had a double tire puncture on ECD. With the fear and phobia one can only imagine how much prayer must have gone in our minds! The saviour of our calamity was a man and his girlfriend of African descent. You can well imagine what the headlines of such a story could be!
Africans and Indians are humans. They are the fathers of our nation alike. They are our teachers and neighbours. They are our families and friends. They deserve a better tomorrow. Maybe Gandhi’s new born Anna Hazare can find resonance in Guyana – that the faith leaders and the socially conscious people need to remind all, once again, that we will not take it – no Satanic racist will exploit our pure thoughts for a few votes. Never again!
2:185 Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind; also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put anyone to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
Happy Eid!
Safe School! Peaceful Voting!