As Guyana’s Muslim community gathered at the Ramadan Village, hosted by the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) on Monday morning to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, speaking ahead of the prayers, urged citizens to embrace the key values of moderation, empathy, and justice, which are at the heart of the Islamic faith.
“Today, as we embark on this grand celebration of Eid, the lessons of Ramadan must help to shape us,” President Ali began, setting a tone of reflection.
He highlighted how the sacred month of Ramadan was not only a time for spiritual growth but also a moment to cultivate greater empathy and understanding in everyday life.
“Shape us in our everyday life and shape us in the way in which we carry out different acts and actions in service of Allah and in the service of humanity,” he said.
The President’s words emphasised the power of personal transformation through the values of Ramadan, focusing on empathy and kindness. “How do we ensure that in our everyday life we show empathy to each other? We show empathy to the sick, we show empathy to those who are facing injustice,” he remarked. In a world often divided by challenges and conflict, Dr. Ali’s call for unity and compassion seemed particularly poignant.
For the President, Ramadan is more than just a period of fasting—it is a time for testing and strengthening one’s character. “Ramadan was that test that showed us we have the resilience, the ability, to make sacrifices and do what is right,” he reflected. He went on to stress the importance of moderation, noting that it is a guiding principle for Muslims. “Moderation is important,” he said, urging citizens to carry the lessons of the holy month into their daily lives.
Dr. Ali’s message of personal growth extended beyond the individual. He articulated a powerful vision for how a more compassionate and reflective society would lead to a stronger nation. “If we are better humans individually, then collectively we will be a better society. And if collectively we’re a better society, then we will be a better country,” he said. “And if we’re a better country, we can be part of creating a better world.”
Gratitude, another key theme of Ramadan, was central to the President’s speech. He acknowledged the importance of recognising and appreciating the efforts of those who strive to improve the lives of others, from teachers to public servants, and emphasised the government’s role in supporting those who contribute to society’s well-being. “In government, we try to develop policies that give our children better access to education and take care of our pensioners,” he explained, tying these efforts to the broader Islamic principles of charity and gratitude.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ali once again extended his Eid Mubarak greetings to the Muslim community, urging everyone to carry forward the spirit of the season throughout the year. “On behalf of the Government of Guyana and my family, I extend Eid Mubarak greetings to all of you and your families,” he said.
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