In the Name of Almighty God, the Beneficent the Merciful
RAMADHAN is the ninth month of the Islamic year, during which fasting is observed from dawn to sunset. Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness – building spirituality, selflessness and charity among Muslims of all ages. In this sacred month the Muslims report of the greatest success for mankind: the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This annual activity is one of the five “pillars” of Islam. Muslims fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. Evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Quran. At the end of the month of Ramadan, the fasting period culminates in celebration, as the three-day Eid ul-Fitr (festival of the breaking of the fast) begins. In many ways, the celebrations surround giving charity, exchange of greetings, cards and gifts and spending time with family, friends and neighbours, but more importantly time is dedicated towards a special prayer at the beginning of the day. Eid is a celebration and a time for thanksgiving and remembrance. During Ramadan, Muslims were selflessly involved in paying their zakat to the poor and needy, a virtue that all of us need to emulate – caring for each other, as we pursue the need for equity in our communities.
Our government joins with the Muslim community in focusing on the values that bring people together to discuss our common humanity and what unites us. The world has experienced too much divergence between civilisations and faiths. It is within our power to overcome these divisions if we commit to dialogue and work with others of goodwill.
The Ministry of Social Cohesion is currently undertaking public conversations around our country aimed at ‘Connecting Diverse Communities’ allowing persons to consider their own roles as agents of change.
I encourage the Muslim communities to continue to participate in this discussion (as we have already held one consultation with the Muslim Community) about how we can improve Social Cohesion in Guyana. It is no secret that Islam teaches tolerance and religious tolerance is a necessary condition for peace and development in every society. In fact, it is reported in the Holy Quran that Almighty God has instructed Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) to say to the disbelievers “to you belongs your religion, and to us belongs our religion,” which was a mark of tolerance and acceptance. Religious tolerance is an embodiment of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he exemplified by the way he coexisted peacefully with Christians and Jews. Islam means peace and advancement in the quality of life of human beings is dependent on certain conditions, which include peace. Therefore, it is crucial for Guyanese to accept each other, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political differences.
I wish all an enjoyable evening as we reflect on the messages of Ramadan, and the sacrifices of the past month, and also celebrate the richness of Guyana’s diversity as we all celebrate Eid ul Fitr.
Happy Eid ul Fitr