Embrace spirit of sacrifice on Eid-ul-Adha – Pres Ali urges Guyanese

…“true sacrifice is about what we affirm by giving our best” – PM Phillips

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips have extended Eid-ul-Adha greetings to Muslims across Guyana, with both leaders emphasising the values of sacrifice, compassion, service and national unity during the observance of the Islamic festival.
In his message, President Ali extended greetings to all Guyanese and said he turned “with deepest warmth” to the country’s Muslim community as they observed the Festival of Sacrifice.
The President reflected on the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, describing it as one of the central lessons of faith and obedience in Islam. He said Prophet Ibrahim was tested through the command to sacrifice his son but remained steadfast in his trust and submission to Allah.
According to the President, Ibrahim’s faith was marked not by doubt but by certainty and obedience. He said the story demonstrated that true sacrifice is rooted in surrender to the will of Allah and that the sacrifice was accepted because “a soul had truly bowed”.
President Ali said the observance of Eid-ul-Adha reminds believers that they are called to sacrifice pride, comfort and possessions and to trust that Allah will provide a better path forward. He added that people are also called to give when it is difficult, forgive when it comes at a cost and serve even when no recognition is expected.
The Head of State also highlighted the practice of Qurbani, through which Muslims distribute meat and food to relatives, neighbours, friends and vulnerable persons. He described the observance as one that ensures “the needy, the orphan and the forgotten taste the same blessing as the affluent.”
Quoting from the Holy Quran, the President referenced verses which state, “And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying, ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We seek from you neither reward nor gratitude.’”
President Ali noted that this year’s Eid-ul-Adha observance comes as Guyana celebrates its 60th Independence anniversary and said the themes of sacrifice and freedom are closely linked.
“Independence and sacrifice are not separate chapters of our nation’s story – they are the same verse,” the President stated.
He said Guyana’s independence was achieved through the sacrifices of generations of Guyanese who “resisted, revolted, struggled, laboured, and dreamt of a Guyana where every person could live with dignity”.
The President added that the country’s journey has been marked by struggle, survival and renewed hope, comparing Guyana’s progress to the lesson of mercy and reward in the story of Prophet Ibrahim.
He urged citizens to ensure that the country’s freedom is reflected in care for vulnerable people and said a nation that sacrifices for its most vulnerable citizens honours both the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha and the legacy of those who fought for independence.
President Ali further stated that Guyanese now have the right to contribute equally to building the nation and called on citizens to continue sacrificing for one another through acts of mercy, justice, charity and service.
Values of faith & selflessness
Meanwhile, PM Phillips said Eid-ul-Adha is an occasion that calls people back to the values of faith and selflessness.

Addressing Muslims across Guyana, Phillips said the observance serves as a reminder of “the importance of placing something greater than ourselves at the centre of how we live”.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the story of Prophet Ibrahim, describing it as one of the greatest examples of faith and submission to Allah.
He said Ibrahim’s willingness to obey despite facing an unimaginable test created a lesson that transcends religion and time and demonstrates that “true sacrifice is about what we affirm by giving of our best.”
Phillips said Guyana’s history is also rooted in sacrifice, noting that previous generations gave up comfort and certainty so future generations could benefit from freedom and opportunity.
According to the Prime Minister, the values of selflessness, compassion and solidarity reflected in Eid-ul-Adha are the same values that have guided Guyana “in its best moments”.
He also welcomed home Guyanese Muslims who performed the Hajj pilgrimage this year and extended greetings to families gathered in prayer and celebration.
“To those gathered with family in prayer and celebration, know that your joy is Guyana’s joy,” Phillips stated.
The PM also commended those participating in Qurbani and sharing meat with neighbours, poor families and vulnerable people, saying the practice represents generosity, compassion and love for fellow citizens.
Phillips extended wishes for peace, good health and abundance to Muslim households across Guyana and prayed for the safety of families and answered prayers.