On behalf of myself and family and on behalf of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), I wish to congratulate you on ascending to the Office of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, amplified because you are also the first Muslim President of our country.
Your Excellency, the Muslim community is bursting with joy at this blessing from Allah (SWT), that he has chosen one from the Ummah of our Master Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to lead our country.
Make no mistake, your elevation to this office was made possible only by the permission of Allah (SWT), who has entrusted you with guiding and protecting our nation. Please, do not ever breach the Amanah (trust) that Allah (SWT) has placed on your shoulders. In this regard, I remind myself and you of the verse of the Holy Qur’an: “It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you” (Al-An’âm 6: 165)”.
For your guidance, as you undertake this new chapter in your life, Allah (SWT) has said: “There has come to you from Allah Light and a Plain Book.” (5.15). Please read the Book of Allah as much as possible; this will be the source of your success. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us” (Quran, 21:73).
Your ascension comes at a time when there is a lot of division in our country, but we are confident that you can heal the wounds and unite our people. Allah says in chapter 49 of the Holy Quran: “O mankind we have created from a single pair of a male and a female; and have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other, not that you may despise one another. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most righteous. Verily Allah is well acquainted of all things.”
I implore you to govern with Ihsan (excellence), compassion, justice, patience, endurance, commitment, sacrifice and most critically bowing down in Worship to the King of Kings, the Lord of the Worlds – Allah (SWT). It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (PUBH) said, “Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth” (Al-Hakim). Prayers and supplications bring us nearer to God and protect us from calamities and destruction. On the positive side, prayers and supplications plead our case to God who bestows more blessings on us. In verse 60 of Sura Mu’min, God commands us, “And your Lord says, Call on me; I will answer your (prayers). But those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely enter Hell – in humiliation.”
May Allah (SWT) grant you the tawfeeq to lead our country in a manner that is pleasing to HIM.
May Allah (SWT) bless you and bestow upon you the wisdom, strength, and humility to be worthy and successful.
I pledge my personal support and the support of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana.
Your brother,
Al Hajj Shahabudeen
Ahmad
President of the
Central Islamic
Organisation of
Guyana (CIOG)
