– racism is not taught by any religion, says CIOG head

By Rabindra Rooplall
GUYANESE should not divide themselves, focusing on elements such as race, colour and gender, but aim, at all times, to promote peace, love, unity and harmony which is the message of Prophet Muhammad, head of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) Sheikh Moen ul-Hack said on Thursday.
He was at the time speaking at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), West Coast Demerara on the occasion of Youman Nabi.
In celebrating the birth of the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad, Sheikh Moen ul-Hack said all are related by faith and humanity, and as such, any form of racism cannot be tolerated in any form since all religions embrace oneness.

“We cannot love God and hate his creation. God does not only want us to love him, but every creature,” the CIOG President said.
He said Guyanese must create their own legacy to inspire the next generation by being helpful and not harmful.

“As long as we help others the creator’s help will always be there for us. When we are happy life is good but life is better when others are happy because of us. Do not steal the happiness of others. The best human being is the one who is most beneficial to mankind,” said Sheikh Moen ul-Hack.
He advised that everyone should read the biography of Prophet Muhammed, as even the great Mahatma Gandhi wondered how a man was able to influence millions of people in all corners of the earth and yet no one ever saw him.

“His message had a deep and a great impact on them. It changed and civilised many societies and it changed people for the better from lawlessness to law and order, and so his message is one of peace, love unity and brotherhood, respect for all irrespective of race or religion,” he explained.

When someone dies, he said Rest in Peace (RIP) is written on his/her grave but why when persons are alive “we cannot live in peace”?
After 1400 years, he said Prophet Muhammad’s message is still relevant since it was taught that the humanity of every person should be respected along with their religion, place of worship and culture.
A society which embraces education and tolerance will rapidly evolve into greatness, he said, adding: “It is much easier for the devil to mislead 100 worshippers than one learned person.”