GUYANA’S Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, has extended Eid Mubarak to the Muslim Community as they observe Eid-Ul-Adha on Friday.
In his message, Prime Minister Nagamootoo expressed wishes for a peaceful and safe day of sacrifice at the mosques and other locations across Guyana on this most auspicious day for our Muslim brothers and sisters.

The festival celebrates a story about the prophet called Ibrahim. He had been told by God that he must sacrifice his son Ishmael to prove his faith. Every year, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to remember Ibrahim’s loyalty and obedience to God above all others. And because of Ibrahim’s actions, Eid al-Adha is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.

However, many Masjids will be observing Eid prayers while adhering to social distancing procedures in the light of the novel coronavirus pandemic which has swept across the world.
The Central Islamic Organisations President Al- Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad added in his message said that, “Eid is also an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity; especially since this year’s Eid-Ul-Adha comes as the Muslim Ummah and the world suffers difficult times filled with crises and obstacles. Compassion and support are needed, for many of our brethren are experiencing uncertainty, fear, pain, and frustration. The Coronavirus Pandemic has virtually brought the world to a halt and stopped the journey to perform the Hajj for those residing outside of Saudi Arabia. This is a period of great test which requires reflection and meaningful action. Eid-Ul-Adha cannot be celebrated without remembering the patriarch, the friend of Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and peace be upon him.”

The CIOG’S President urged that we should pray for peaceful co-existence in Guyana and the entire world.
He noted that our actions must prove that we mean no ill to anyone and we are all part of one humanity.
“Each one of us has to be the change that we desire. Change yourself in order to set an example which encourages others to change. Verily, Allah (SWT) will not change the condition of a people until they change themselves”.

Further, Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Quran, “Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this Prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the (protector and helper) of the believers.” “(Holy Quran – Chapter 3: verse 68) Our Father, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, epitomised the verse of the Quran: Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs for us.”
May Allah (SWT) continue to bless you and your families and make us people who strive to bring benefit to others.

Let us work on improving ourselves and those around us. Together we work to become agents of peace, instilling harmony among people regardless of ethnicity and creed. Let us be protectors of each other, ensuring we respect the rights of each other. May GOD bless our nation as we strive to build a better country May Allah (SWT) show us the truth as truth and help us to follow it and show us evil as evil and enable us to avoid it. Let us be like the great Prophet, the Patriarch, our father, the Friend of GOD Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him and his family.