Kamla: With Eid-ul-Fitr comes renewed hope
Tomorrow, the Muslim community of Trinidad and Tobago and fellow citizens observe the holy celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of a month of fasting, sacrifice and prayer.
The Day begins with the performance of the Eid Namaaz (Prayer) which is held either in mosques or in open air. It is followed by the embracing of brothers and sisters, the exchange of gifts and the partaking of refreshment and subsequently, visiting relatives and friends to join with them in the Eid celebration.
The Month of Ramadhan can be described as both a happy occasion which comes at the end of the period of fasting and is seen also as a sad occasion when the brothers and sisters bid farewell, or as is recited emotionally in the Qaseeda of Al Widaa, which marks the end of the period of Ramadhan with its greatest benefits for blessings, mercies and forgiveness from Almighty Allah in preparation for life in this world and the hereafter.
The end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr brings with it a renewal of hope and resolve to stand steadfast in our faith in God, our duty to our fellowmen and our dedication to our country.
At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, I expressed the belief that Muslims here and around the world stood at the forefront of demonstrating the kind of leadership we need to navigate the challenging realities we face today.
In the face of hardship and adversity, people need hope; in the face of challenges and setbacks, people need strength and resolve, and in the face of darkness and sadness, people need faith…faith in God, faith in themselves, faith in the future.
As we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, our Muslim brothers and sisters stand as beacons, showing us that wherever we must sacrifice, wherever we must rely on our faith and renew our humanity, the day of celebration will always come.
Whatever our religious beliefs, we all share the common understanding that within God is the bedrock of our every achievement and success. As the Muslim community takes the frontline today by reminding us of the values and virtues of sacrifice and faith, we share our prayers with them, and we stand with them in celebration.
We also thank our Muslim brothers and sisters for their sacrifice and devotion for all of us as a people and nation.
To the Muslim community and people of our country, we in the Parliamentary Opposition pray that we can all take heed of what you have learned from your sacrifice, and the wisdom you have gained in your renewed faith.
Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community and the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
FROM THE HONOURABLE KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SIPARIA
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
ON THE OCCASION OF EID-UL-FITR
05 JULY 2016