President Ali urges unity and love for all, eradication of prejudice

Ramadan Mubarak message

President Dr Irfaan Ali, a practicing Muslim, has urged the nation to come together in unity and love, while eradicating hatred and prejudice as the world enters the period of Ramadan from today until next month.
In extending Ramadan Mubarak greetings to the Islamic community of Guyana and, by extension to all Guyanese, he noted the significance of the month. President Ali called it a period of reform and returning to spiritual purity for Muslims.
Ramadan, he noted, is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, pointing out that it is traditional at this time for Muslims to not only fast from food and drink but to desist from evil thoughts, words and actions. “Ramadan is also a time for reforming and perfecting our character. It reminds us that a sign of good character is showing care and consideration and beneficence towards others,” he said.
The Head of State noted that it is also a period for expressing gratitude. “As we reflect on the challenges posed in a COVID-19 environment, let us be grateful to Allah Almighty for blessing us with the observance of another Ramadan so that we can inculcate the correct attitude and behaviour necessary for our success here on earth, as well as in the hereafter.”
President Ali also noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the country’s vulnerabilities, Ramadan reinforces messages of the powerful and redeeming qualities of humility, empathy and gratitude.
“During this Holy Month, let us therefore never forget to express our gratitude for God’s infinite love, mercy, and wisdom. Fasting brings us closer to God and grounds us in the desirable values of humbleness and understanding. Fasting offers a pathway to piety but requires that we clean our hearts of every form of hatred, envy, and prejudice.”
“Ramadan teaches us to have love for all and hatred for none, The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) reminded us that: You will not enter Paradise until you have faith, and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.”
The President expressed hope that all would strive to live as one and “banish hatred, envy, and prejudice from our hearts and from our relations with one another.” He was also hopeful that Muslims would follow the example of the Holy Prophet and his generosity.
“Ramadan Mubarak to all of you and your families. May this Ramadan bring with it true blessings and success for all of us as we fast. Remember those who are less fortunate, remember every Guyanese, remember all humans in our prayers as together we seek to exit this pandemic,” the President said.

Moon not sighted
Meanwhile, Director of Dawah and Education at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) Shaykh Moeenul Hack issued a statement in which he informed the Muslim community that the appropriate moon for Ramadan has not been sighted and fasting would therefore begin on Wednesday.
“The Crescent for Ramadan has not been sighted locally or regionally, therefore fasting begins on Wednesday 14th April 2021. Taraweeh prayers will commence on the evening of Tuesday 13th April 2021.”
“Oh Allah, safeguard us for Ramadan and safeguard Ramadan for us and accept it from us. Oh Allah, heal the world and grant us the opportunity to observe Ramadan,” Hack said in the statement.