“Let us collectively lock arms to keep out vices of hatred, bitterness and prejudice” – Pres Ali

…as Opposition calls for Guyanese to recommit to ideals of unity, selflessness

In observance of the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Adha today, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reiterated calls for all Guyanese to get together and work to rid the country of vices such as hatred and prejudice.

He made this plea in his Eid-ul-Adha greeting to citizens, especially the Muslim community in Guyana.
President Ali pointed out that Eid-ul-Adha, or the Festival of the Sacrifice, is a time when Muslims affirm their devotion to Allah. He added that it is an occasion to do so by demonstrating their sincere concern for their fellow brothers and sisters.
“Qurbani is not simply an act of sacrifice, but one intended to show our devotion to Allah, a letting go of attachments and embracing our fellow brothers and sisters,” he has said.

“In our society today, there are forces who wish to divide our people as a means of derailing the unity of our human family. Let us collectively lock our arms together to form an impregnable chain to keep out the vices of hatred, bitterness and prejudice!” he posited.
The Head of State reminded that the Holy Quran urges worshippers to “Hold fast together to the cable of Allah and be not divided.”
According to the President, the sacred observance of Eid-ul-Adha recalls the Prophet Abraham’s deep love for his son, a love so true and pure that it could only be tested by the Prophet’s supreme obedience to God.
Abraham’s love for his son is emblematic of Allah’s love for all of His creation. Abraham’s willingness to submit to the will of Allah represents the ultimate measure of spiritual devotion. He further stated that the Prophet Abraham’s readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice thus links our loyalty to God to our love for our fellow human beings,

reminding again that the Holy Quran urges us to imitate the example of Abraham.
It says: “And who is better in faith than those who (faithfully) submit themselves to Allah, do good, and follow the Way of Abraham the upright?”
According to the Head of State, Muslims cannot love Allah and at the same time attack their fellow brothers and sisters. They, he added, cannot love Allah and condone or ignore an injustice towards another. In fact, President Ali stated, Muslims show their devotion to Allah by protecting and taking care of Allah’s creation – the human family.
“May this most beautiful festival of Eid-ul-Adha inspire us to grow stronger in love and togetherness, secure in the knowledge that, by serving each other, we are genuflecting to the Will of the Almighty! Eid Mubarak to one and all!”

Respectful
Meanwhile, the APNU/AFC Coalition, in its Eid-ul-Adha greeting to the Muslim community, sounded similar calls.
“The APNU/AFC has always been, and will always remain, respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity, and believes that our diversity serves to the country’s advantage. May this occasion inspire all Guyanese to recommit to the ideals of unity, selflessness, shared sacrifices, and a shared destiny,” the Opposition said in a statement.
It went on to note that Eid-ul-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is deeply rooted in the life of the great Prophet Abraham (upon whom be peace) and signifies his willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael, as ordered by Allah.
Noting that this is one of Islam’s most important holidays, the Coalition has posited that it is the duty on all Muslims to sacrifice animals on the occasion as a reminder of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to please Allah.
“The significance is to sacrifice what comes between us and Allah — whether it be ego, material possessions, passion, or power — and to resolve to fully obey Him. These teachings hold great significance in giving moral and spiritual directions to our personal life,” the APNU+AFC stated.

Value of sacrifice
Also extending Eid-ul-Adha greetings was Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who said this occasion is a celebration in honour of the selflessness and willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son upon God’s command.
“As these observations are honoured within the Islamic faith, Guyanese can all learn from the lessons that enshrine this occasion. Eid-ul-Adha teaches us the value of sacrifice. It invokes in us the opportunity to indulge in introspection about the importance of sacrifice and the selflessness that it requires. When we are able to place ourselves aside, we are able to see clearly the needs of others,” the PM has said.
He went on to note that sacrifice allows contribution to the greater good, and enables persons to truly be good neighbours, as well as creates peace, harmony and love among people.
“On these occasions, I am always proud to emphasise the rich culture of our Guyanese citizens. Not only do our cultures allow us to celebrate with each other, but the strong faith of our people has helped to build this nation. It has evoked mutual respect, which ultimately feeds into a strong bond and unity among Guyanese,” the Prime Minister has said.
PM Phillips has also said he hopes the teachings of Eid-ul-Adha equally inspire and guide all citizens to strive towards greater unity as Government moves towards building a “One Guyana” with prosperity for all. He noted that by looking after and caring for neighbours and placing personal desires aside, citizens can collectively move towards building a nation wherein there is true prosperity and happiness, as preserved in the National Pledge. (G3)