– at Youman Nabi celebration
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has hailed Islam as a religion of peace and progress while addressing Muslims gathered at the Peter’s Hall Jamaat yesterday on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammed. His remarks came after listening to reflections by elders of the Mosque on the life and ways of the Holy Prophet, who is regarded as benevolent, and well as recitals of excerpts from the Holy Quran by children.
“Islam, as (are) the other religions that we have in our country, is a religion of peace, is a religion that promotes progress and I am really privileged to be in this country where we have such profound respect for each other’s religious beliefs,” President Ramotar said.
The important role religion plays in perpetuating the moral standards in Guyana was also acknowledged by President Ramotar who made reference to the level of solidarity that Muslims show to others in times of hardship or tribulation.
The principles of equality and justice for all, which is also enshrined in the teachings of Islam was highly endorsed by President Ramotar who said that such a goal is the wish of every Guyanese.
Reference was made to the crisis in the Middle East, where Islam is the strongest and making headlines around the world, and which President Ramotar believes is highly motivated by the struggle for an end to tyranny.

In many of the countries like Yemen, like Bahrain…it is a struggle for justice, a struggle for equality, a struggle for dignity and all of which stems from the philosophy and teachings of Islam, President Ramotar said.

Fortunately for Guyana, wars are not waged over religion and President Ramotar noted that Guyanese should be proud of Guyana’s reputation as a highly tolerant society and work to ensure that the prestige is perpetuated.
On February 1, Guyana marked the occasion of Inter-Faith Harmony Week with prayers and reflection from the Hindu, Rastafarian, Christian, Muslim and Bahai faiths. It is the second year Guyana has been observing the United Nations designated week.
The Muslim community in Guyana has been playing an active role in providing a sanctuary for orphans and the underprivileged and is represented on rights for women and gender commissions and the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO).
Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet lived a life of benevolence and leniency but fought in the name of Islam and against oppressors of the faith and, in this regard, Allah hailed him as one of great character.
Muslims are taught to always address the Prophet with loyalty in salutation by saying “May the peace and blessing of God be upon him”, different from the way they would greet each other.
They are also taught to live the ways of the Prophet in coexisting with each other regardless of their religious persuasion. Islam, according to Muslims, is a way of life rather than a religion of radicalism and extremism as is popularly perceived. (GINA)