CIOG President’s Reflections Islamic New Year

In the name of Allah (swt), The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate
Respected Brothers and Sisters, Elders and my Non-Muslim friends As SalamualaikumwaRahmatullahi-WaBaraktuh,
All praises are for Allah (swt), peace and choicest blessings on Rasoolullah (saws).
As we welcome another Islamic New Year, we are reminded of the Hijrah made by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Al Madinah Al Munnawarah (the illuminated city). This Hijrah or migration represents one of the most significant events in Islam and it is upon this that the Islamic calendar is predicated.
After more than a decade of persecution by the Quraysh the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Madinah became imminent. When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) immigrated from Makkah to Madinah he did not just transfer his residence or sought refuge in a new city, but as soon as he arrived in Madinah he began the transformation of that city in every aspect. He worked and carry the stones himself to establish a Mosque, established brotherly relations between those who migrated and the residents of Madinah; relations based on faith not on tribe or ethnicity. He fostered intercommunity and interfaith relations. A water system in the City was commissioned and over 50 wells were dug to ensure clean water for everyone. Agriculture and gardening were encouraged and anyone doing so will own that land; soon there were an abundance of food for everyone. Poverty was eradicated and there were enough for everyone and gifts were given to visiting delegations. Madinah became the safest city in the world. This migration was aimed at extending a bridge for an eternal civilization that is based on love, peace, and, ultimately, touching the hearts of all humanity.
The hijrah marks a transition line between two major eras; the Makkah and Madinah periods. A period of adversity and persecution to a time of prosperity and progress. The migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us many lessons. In Makkah, everyone expected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be dead by day break but he placed his trust only in Allah (swt). Rest assured that God is not in need of us but we are in need of Allah (swt) as indicated by the attribute As-Samad– the One who is free from need but everyone depends on Him. Trust Allah (swt) in difficult times and know that once you are on the path of Allah (swt), Allah (swt) will be there for you. Stay the course; obey Allah (swt) despite what trials and tribulation may come your way; never lose hope. Remember that the promise of Allah (swt) stands true, with difficulty comes ease. After over a decade of tribulations and torture the Prophet was going to be a Head of State, the King of Madinah. The promise of Allah (swt) stands true; after every difficulty comes ease.
In this regard, we should begin this New Year reflecting on our personal growth with Allah (swt). Have we made a transition from disobedience to adherence, from selfishness to selflessness, from thinking about my tribe to thinking about the nation? Let us together with renewed commitment turn to our Lord, the Most Merciful and follow the teachings outlined in the Holy Quran and as exemplified in the Prophetic example (Sunnah). Let us work together to transition to as better state by doing extra acts of devotion and much remembrance of Allah (swt).
It is only through following the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which is the way of all the Prophets from Adam to Jesus (peace be upon them all) that we will achieve felicity and become illuminated.
We therefore remind ourselves and all Muslims in Guyana and by extension all Guyanese that it is our duty to learn and embody the Prophetic ways in all aspects of our lives.
We pray to Allah (swt) that in this new lunar year Heswt forgives us our faults from the previous years, rectify our hearts and actions, and make us among those who are firm and well established in faith and be ready to selflessly serve all of humanity.
AllahummaSalli Ala MuhammadinKullamaDhakara-HuzhdhakiroonwaKullamaGhafala An dhikrihilGhafiloon.
“O Allah! Shower blessings on Muhammad whenever he is remembered by those who remember him, and shower blessings on Muhammad whenever he is not remembered by the negligent, and grant him peace constantly in abundance”
And success comes only through Allah (swt).

Shahabudeen Ahmad President
Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG)