A time for strengthened solidarity, compassion – Pres Ali as Ramadan begins

President Irfaan Ali has called for strengthened solidarity and compassion in standing with those who are suffering, as the holy month of Ramadan commences for the Muslim community.
The Head of State, in his Ramadan message, extended wishes to those observing the period of fasting, after the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) communicated that fasting would commence on Tuesday. Ali reminded that Ramadan holds a profound significance in the Islamic faith. It is a month of reflection, prayer, and self-discipline.

He expressed, “To our Muslim brothers and sisters, I extend my heartfelt best wishes for a blessed Ramadan. May this month be filled with spiritual growth, peace, and tranquillity. May your prayers be answered, and your sacrifices be accepted by the Most Merciful! May the spirit of Ramadan inspire us to work towards a better, more just world for all.”
During this holy month, Muslims engage in fasting, dedicating themselves to acts of charity, spirituality, and self-improvement. It is a time for deep introspection, fostering empathy, strengthening the bonds of family and friendship, and showing compassion and concern for those facing difficult circumstances.
This year, however, he added, hearts are heavy with concern at the unimaginable suffering being endured by those in Gaza, as he called for support.
“The relentless onslaught they face, tantamount to genocide, is a grave violation of human rights. The assault on the defenceless people of Gaza constitutes a modern-day crime against humanity.”
Ali further penned, “Ramadan is a month for showing and expressing solidarity. It is a time when the bonds of compassion and empathy are strengthened, and individuals come together to support one another in our spiritual journey. It is equally a time for us to stand beside those who are suffering and to extend our hands and hearts in support and solidarity with them.”
Additionally, the President urged Guyanese to remember, in their prayers and supplications, all those suffering because of conflict, including the people of Haiti.
“Let us dedicate a portion of our fasting and prayers to all their plights, praying fervently for their safety and well-being. Let us stand in solidarity with them, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence that has inflicted such immense suffering on innocent lives,” said Ali in his statement.
He quoted the Holy Quran [2:177]: “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah (God) , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help]…. [and who] establish prayer and give zakah; [those who] fulfil their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship… Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.”
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts 29 to 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Eid-ul-Fitr is observed to signify the end of Ramadan. (G12)