PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to draw on the teachings and example of the Holy Prophet Mohamed to foster greater compassion, justice, peace and unity, particularly in the wake of the recent MV Barima tragedy.
In a Youman Nabi message, President Ali extended greetings to Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, with particular recognition of the country’s Muslim community, while urging citizens to reflect on the values associated with the life and legacy of the Prophet.
He highlighted faith, humility, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, patience, truth, justice, unity and peace among the enduring values taught by the Prophet, stressing the importance of communities remaining sensitive to the suffering of others.
The President said the message carries particular significance at a time when Guyana has recently been touched by profound tragedy.
“Those words are of particular resonance for Guyana at a time when our nation has recently been touched by profound tragedy. In the hush of sorrow, let our differences fade like mist before the sun; let our compassion rise like a tide; let our shared humanity become our shelter and our strength,” the Head of State said.
According to President Ali, the teachings of the Prophet provide guidance on how societies should respond during difficult moments by seeking truth without fury, pursuing justice without malice and correcting what is broken without vengeance.
“The Prophet’s life also teaches us that, while we may grieve deeply, grief must not become despair, sorrow must not become hatred, and tragedy must never become a chisel of division, nor a spark for suspicion, nor a seed for strife.”
President Ali urged Guyanese to mourn and comfort one another collectively, while resisting divisions that could turn neighbours against each other.
He said tragedy should not become a wedge that separates Guyanese, but rather a bridge that brings the nation closer together.
The President called for the spirit of Youman Nabi to illuminate Guyana with faith and compassion, justice without vengeance, truth without hatred and togetherness beyond differences.
“On this Youman Nabi, therefore, let us draw from the example of the Holy Prophet. Peace and blessings be upon him. [Let us find] the courage to seek truth, the wisdom to pursue justice, and the humanity to embrace those who suffer. Let us mourn together, comfort one another, and stand together,” he said, adding:
“Let neighbour not turn against neighbour, nor grief against grief. Let tragedy become not a wedge that separates us, but a bridge that brings us closer. May the spirit of Youman Nabi illuminate Guyana with faith and compassion, justice without vengeance, truth without hatred, and togetherness beyond our differences.”
