Youman Nabi & unity

The commemoration of Youman Nabi once again presents an opportunity for reflection on values that transcend time, faith, and culture. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) have long underscored the principles of mercy, unity, and service to others, values that speak directly to the challenges and aspirations of modern societies. In his Youman Nabi message, President Dr Irfaan Ali invoked these lessons as a call for Guyanese to reject division and strengthen the bonds of solidarity that underpin national progress.
The President’s remarks carry particular resonance at this juncture. Guyana’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious identity is both its greatest strength and its most delicate responsibility. The country’s history has repeatedly shown that when fractures along ethnic or political lines are allowed to deepen, the consequences can undermine development and corrode social harmony. Against this backdrop, a national appeal for unity is essential.
Central to the President’s address was a quotation from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices one to another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another, but be servants of Allah as brothers.”
These words, though spoken centuries ago, capture the essence of peaceful coexistence. They serve as both moral instruction and practical guidance for societies confronting the temptations of envy, mistrust, and division.
The timing of this message is equally significant. Just days after Guyanese participated in general and regional elections, the nation stands at a crucial moment. Though the tabulation of results points to a clear outcome, a recount has been requested, delaying the official declaration and the swearing-in of a new Government. The political uncertainty has amplified the need for patience, civility, and unity. It is in such moments of tension that the call to reject division becomes more than a moral appeal; it becomes a democratic necessity.
Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, but their aftermath often tests the resilience of institutions and the maturity of political culture. The Prophet’s teachings, as highlighted by President Ali, remind us that peace among people holds greater value than ritual observance alone. In practical terms, this is a lesson in prioritising national stability over partisan triumphalism, dialogue over discord, and reconciliation over resentment.
Guyana’s journey toward becoming a just and prosperous society hinges on its ability to cultivate trust across divides. The President’s emphasis on unity is not new, but its reiteration in this season of both religious reflection and political transition is urgent. A society bound together by mutual respect is one that can confront its developmental challenges with greater resolve. Conversely, a society fragmented by suspicion and hostility is one that risks squandering its opportunities.
This is particularly true given the transformational moment in which Guyana finds itself. The rapid expansion of its oil and gas sector, alongside broader economic growth, has elevated the stakes for governance, equity, and inclusivity. With newfound wealth comes the potential for both progress and polarisation. Ensuring that all citizens benefit equitably from national development requires a collective commitment to fairness, transparency, and cohesion. Unity, therefore, is not a lofty abstraction; it is a prerequisite for sustainable progress.
The President’s reminder that devotion is measured not merely in words but in deeds is especially pertinent. A society’s strength is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable members. Acts of empathy, forgiveness, and generosity are not only spiritual virtues but also social imperatives. They provide the moral scaffolding upon which inclusive development can be built.
At a time when global societies grapple with division, whether driven by politics, culture, or ideology, the Guyanese example can stand as one of resilience and cohesion. But this is possible only if all sectors, political leaders, civic organisations, faith communities, and ordinary citizens choose unity over division. The responsibility cannot rest with one office or one community alone; it must be a collective undertaking.
The observance of Youman Nabi is therefore an occasion to reaffirm values that are indispensable to Guyana’s future. The Prophet’s enduring message of peace, unity, and service is not confined to any one faith but speaks to the universal human need for harmony and justice.
As Guyana awaits the conclusion of the electoral process and the installation of a new Government, the call to unity must guide both leaders and citizens. The durability of democracy depends not only on free and fair elections but also on the collective will to safeguard peace and respect differences.
In the spirit of Youman Nabi, Guyana has the opportunity to demonstrate that unity is not a rhetorical aspiration but a lived commitment.