THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has announced that the new moon for the sacred month of Muharram (the first month in the Muslim Lunar Calendar) was sighted on the evening of Saturday August 31, 2019.

This marks the beginning of the new lunar Islamic year.

The CIOG’s Central Executive Council, in a statement, has congratulated the Muslim community and called on all Muslims to begin this New Year with extra acts of devotion and remembrance of Allah and a renewed commitment to obeying the Lord in accordance with the standard set forth in the Noble Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“It is only through strict adherence to the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which is the very way of all the previous Prophets from Adam to Jesus (peace be upon them all) that people will achieve purity of faith and freedom from vice and corruption. Any other course will result in lusts such as greed, animosity and prejudice, which only induce men to indecencies and vileness. We, therefore, remind ourselves and all Muslims in Guyana and indeed all Guyanese that it is our duty to learn and live that Prophetic way in all aspects of our lives without exception.

“And we pray to Allah that in this new lunar year He forgives us our faults from the previous years and rectifies our hearts and actions and make us among those who are firm and well established in faith so that we can live amongst each other in peace, love and harmony.”

The message from the CIOG concluded with the following statement by Umar Ibn Al Khattab (R.A.D), who said thusly.

“Richness isn’t found in wealth, as wealth can diminish. Nor is it found in beauty, for beauty fades with age. It’s found in good character and kind hearts. So treat people in such a way and live amongst them in such a manner that when you die, they make supplication for you, and when you’re alive, they benefit from you and they thank Allah, the Most High, for having you in their lives.”