Faith, Constitution and Service: Defending Prayers for a United Guyana

Dear Editor,
Guyana’s rich religious heritage is a point of pride, and our Constitution wisely upholds both the secular nature of the state and the right of all citizens to exercise their religious conscience freely and equally. The recent Stabroek News article (Sept 30, 2025) questioned the Muslim prayer by the chair of ERC at President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s inauguration, suggesting that religious invocations at state functions, particularly the chair of ERC blur the line between faith and governance.
It is important to recognise that prayers for national leaders are an established tradition among Guyana’s diverse religious communities and are not acts of political partisanship, but expressions of hope and unity. In Islam, as in Christianity and Hinduism, praying for leaders is both a theological practice and a part of centuries of prayer, culture, reflecting a desire for peace, guidance, and justice rather than political endorsement. When the Shaikh prayed for President Ali, his words reflected sincere religious tenets and the established example set by the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, who prayed for the well-being and guidance of rulers regardless of faith or context.
The Constitution does not require public officials to suspend their religious identities. Rather, it insists that all beliefs be respected. As an Imam, educator, and Chair of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), his service to Guyana has always focused on fostering inclusion, respect, and understanding among all communities, regardless of background or belief. To single out the Muslim prayer for criticism ignores nearly four decades of faithful, impartial engagement across Guyana’s social and religious landscape.
Accusations that the Shaikh cannot serve both his religious community and the national good are unfounded. Faith leaders in Guyana, including Christian pastors, Hindu priests, and Imams, regularly participate in national events. Their prayers are invitations to unity, not divisions. The chair’s commitment to the ERC’s mandate is unwavering, and his record demonstrates active support for fairness, diversity, and meaningful dialogue.
Finally, to pray for the President’s success in bridging Guyana’s divisions aligns with the best hopes of every Guyanese. It is not partisanship to desire progress; nor is it a breach of impartiality to ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength on behalf of those entrusted with the public good. His prayers, words, and actions remain grounded in the pursuit of greater harmony, justice, and opportunity for all.

Yours faithfully,
Haroon Bacchus