-aims to promote Islamic culture through prayer, reflection and education

PREPARATIONS have begun for Guyana’s first National Ramadan Village to be held at the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) lawns on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The massive event which has been organised by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana, and the Government of Guyana will officially be open to the public next week Monday.

According to the CIOG’s Director, Shaykh Moeen Ul-Hack, the event will foster understanding and promote Islamic heritage and cultural appreciation.

“With an open-air concept, the National Ramadan Village, in addition to offering a unique opportunity for all Guyanese to experience the spiritual ambience of Ramadan, is also intended for families to gather and share with others for the breaking of fast together. It will facilitate prayers, reflection and education during this very sacred month,” the director said.

The event which will be officially opened by Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, will not undermine the activities traditionally held at masjids but rather compliment them by bringing wider appreciation to the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts for 29 to 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

The village will comprise a number of booths, showcasing numerous aspects of the teachings of Islam along with garments, literature, local and international cuisine including sweetmeats and a children’s play area.

The event is open to Muslims and non-Muslims.
According to Moeen Ul-Hack, during the event, Muslims can utilise the area for Taraweeh, a prayer specific to the Ramadan period.

Additionally, the village will be the central location for the Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power) which is held on the 27th night of Ramadan.

Moeen Ul-Hack reminded that prayer and fasting is not only symbolic to the Islam faith, but to other religions such as Hinduism and Christianity.

Both Christians and Hindus are also observing a period of fasting referred to as Lent and Maha Shivratri respectively.

“It also serves as a timely reminder of our shared values that unite us and the importance of embracing diversity as a source of strength,” Moeen Ul-Hack said.

Accommodation and transportation for persons living outside of the region who wish to visit the village, will be provided.

Meanwhile director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, disclosed that there will be several tourism activities in observance of Ramadan.

The tourism body has partnered with regional airlines, such as Caribbean Airlines and Suriname Airways to offer concessional rate for persons desirous of travelling during this period.

There are also plans to further expand the upcoming event to several other regions across the country.

“It promises to be a very historic and enlightening experience,” Baksh said.