EID-UL-FITR 2015: Greetings from Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar

Assalam u Alaikum.

On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters on this most auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. May Allah continue to shower you, your families and our nation, with blessings of love, harmony, wisdom, and prosperity.

Over the past holy month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the Muslim community would have demonstrated great discipline and sacrifice, as prescribed by the five pillars of Islam, the other four pillars being belief, worship, charitable donations and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Ramadan marks the anniversary of the Quran being revealed to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon Him). It is said that part of Ramadan’s purpose is to feel the hunger that the poor face every day; to appreciate the sorrow of the sick, and to review our lives and get closer to Allah. It is a call for introspection, moving beyond the shallowness of daily routines to seek inner truth and peace.

This is a valuable lesson for us all, as there is much that we can learn from each other, if we allow ourselves the spiritual and emotional space to put aside our differences, and instead interact from the level of heart.

It is my hope that your example of sacrifice, devotion, attention to family values, belief and kindness makes a positive impact on all our citizens; by opening a window to the beauty of the human spirit.

The contribution of the Muslim community to national development has been, and continues to be, invaluable to the growth of our country. I commend you on the selfless service you perform for all citizens of our beloved nation.

Today, as our national community shares with you the radiant joy of the Eid celebrations, it is my wish and prayer that the blessings of Allah light your way and lead you to happiness and peace.

There is perhaps no better time than during our national days of observance to express our thanks to God for the blessings He has bestowed to our homes and our country – especially the blessing of our unique harmony in diversity.

And as we reach deeper within ourselves, in search of balancing our physical needs and spiritual goals, we must always keep our hearts open to understanding that, though different, we all stand equally in the sight of God. Religion must seek to unite rather than divide peoples and nations.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr becomes all the more meaningful as its message of unity, brotherhood, peace, and forgiveness becomes a lived reality.

At this time of celebration, let us remember that it is by working together, holding hands in a spirit of unity and, building on the firm foundations laid by all our ancestors, that we will make Trinidad and Tobago a place where there is peace and prosperity for all.

May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and open all the doors of success now and always.

Eid Mubarak