I EXTEND greetings and best wishes to the Muslim community in Guyana as it commences the Holy Month of Ramadan. This is considered the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and has special significance because it was during this month, fourteen centuries ago, that Allah began to reveal the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. During this month, Muslims deepen their relationship with the Creator and their fellow human beings through acts of prayer, abstinence and charity.Ramadan offers all Muslims the opportunity to perfect themselves and their faith by being closer to Allah and to their fellow human beings. The Holy Month allows believers to step aside from the worldly pleasures and desires and to embrace acts of self- purification of the mind and body. Fasting restrains and protects the body from the excesses of food and drink. It has been proven to have beneficial physiological benefits. Through fasting and abstinence, the body is protected and renewed and discipline is promoted.
This disciplining of the mind is very important in building good character and relations with the Creator and with our fellow human beings. Actions that are blasphemous and hurtful to others originate in the mind. The harbouring of ill thoughts and feelings begin in the mind and can lead to harmful actions. The practices of fasting and abstinence help us to discipline our thoughts also. By promoting purity of body and mind, Ramadan encourages us to purge ourselves of ill thoughts and feelings towards others.
As we therefore join in welcoming the advent of Ramadan, let us be mindful that we can all, as Guyanese, gain valuable lessons and insights from our fellow Muslims Brothers and Sisters and their observance of this Holy Month.
May Goodwill be on us all during this special month!