“We have much more to do to create changes in our society” – Pres Ali at Eid celebration

As the Muslim community in Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that the recently concluded Month of Ramadan should reinforce the fact that they have the ability to be better humans and do better for others.

Eid-ul-Fitr was observed on Friday, signifying the end of Ramadan – a month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset filled with prayer, reflection, and community.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali attended the Eid-ul-Fitr programme at Muslim Youth Organisation on Friday morning, where he reminded worshipers of the importance of contentment and togetherness – both core teachings of Islam.
“Contentment is an important part of Islam. The moment we are not content with our blessings, we’re not content with what Allah… has blessed us with, then it leads to all sort of destruction because our desires and what we believe to be good for us and more for us will get out of control, and lead all sorts of behaviour. The month of Ramadan teaches us, reinforces in us that we all have the ability to be content with what we have. We all have the ability to be thankful with what we have…”
“As we celebrate Eid today… we must not do so believing that the world is totally a happy place. We must do so understanding how grateful we should be for where we are, understanding how much more we have to do to create changes in our society and changes in the world that would be beneficial to human beings.”
The Quran, he reminded, clearly states that wealth, individual or collective, must be shared with the needy and destitute. However, Ali noted that while Islam speaks to charity and encourages helping those in need, those persons who seek charity themselves also have a responsibility to be content.
According to the Head of State, it becomes un-Islamic when those in need depend and rely solely on charity to sustain themselves. He posited that there are ample opportunities around for persons to actively engage in work, contributing to their families and communities.
“It is un-Islamic if you have those opportunities and you can work but you don’t take it.”
Moreover, President Ali added that it is also un-Islamic for Muslims to hate or dislike each other. He said the foundation of togetherness and unity as well as equality of humanity is embedded in Islam.
He recited a verse in the Quran that states: “Oh humanity, indeed, we have created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know each other.”
The Head of State pointed out that this speaks to humanity and not just Muslims. He said Allah acknowledges that everyone is created differently by design – not to divide but to get to know each other.
This, he posited, can only happen if everyone shares, communicates, respects and has tolerance for each other.
“The reaching out and the togetherness is not confined only to the ummah [Muslim community]. We even have a greater responsibility to take this verse of the Quran to all human beings. So, those in Guyana who form part of the ummah, who believe in divisiveness and who believe in action that does not promote ‘One Guyana’ is acceptable then I’m afraid this is not part of Islam. Coming together requires exactly what the Quran prescribes.”
On this note, President Ali calls stated that the responsibility is not just on Muslims but the entire Guyanese population to play their part in ensuring that there is unity amongst the people.
“Sometimes we take a laid-back approach to things and to life. Let this Eid and this Ramadan be one that reinforces in us, not only proactive and actionable behaviour, Islamically, but in our society, in our communities and in our country. We have a responsibility and we must take this responsibility seriously. We must be part of what is positive. We must be part of what reflects the true values of Islam – love, kindness, contentment… We need, as a country and all of us as Guyanese, to get our acts together. This Ramadan must reinforce in us that we have the ability to be better, that we have the ability to do better. We have the ability to be better individually and collectively, let us not waste it.” (G8)