Kamla: Eid ul Fitr provides an opportunity for all of us to promote love, peace and harmony in society

I join with the national community in wishing members of the Muslim community Eid Mubarak!

Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha are the main festivals observed by Muslims worldwide. The Eid ul Fitr celebration marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, a month of fasting, charity, and increased worship.

Ramadan is also considered the month of the Quran:

“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guidance for humanity, as a clear proof of that guidance, and as a criterion for distinguishing between right and wrong” (2: 185).

On the day of Eid, Muslims celebrate their achievements in Ramadan. Even after the month comes to an end, Muslims carry memories of breaking fasts with friends and family, praying the Tarawih prayers in congregation, and doing extra good deeds. They develop peace within themselves, with God and with all of humanity.

Believers undergo training in self-restraint, patience and discipline; all this for the sake of Allah. This month is a reminder to live our lives in worship of Allah at all times, and to be willing to make sacrifices for His sake. I would like to congratulate all Muslims on successfully completing their duties in this blessed month.

Eid ul Fitr provides an opportunity for all of us to promote love, peace and harmony in society. Today’s world is still characterized by discord, conflict and misunderstanding. Trinidad and Tobago is no exception. Though our diverse peoples have co-existed for many decades we still have not worked out a formula for peaceful co-existence as a plural society. Remember multiculturalism has become institutionalized in most democratic societies today.

The Quran tells us in Chapter 49, verse 13:

“O humanity, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God is All Knowing and Acquainted with what you do.”

Actions such as fasting and prayers teach us to be humble and to be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Muslims sought increased spiritual growth as they read the Quran more, prayed more, and attended the mosques more frequently. Some Muslims even engaged in Itikaf (a period of confinement, solitude, meditation and reflection during the last ten days and nights of Ramadan). At the end of this exercise, believers are expected to be spiritually uplifted and transformed. The increased Taqwa (God consciousness) prepares Muslims to face the challenges for the rest of the year.

While Eid is a joyous occasion, we must also consider those less fortunate, and those who may be suffering. Throughout the world, there are persons who are poor, homeless and needy and are unable to meet the basic necessities of life. We need to give as much as we can from our possessions, our time and abilities to make the world a better place for all. Zakaat (charity) is an act of worship in Islam, and it is obligatory and not optional for those who can afford it.

I call on all citizens to emulate this aspect of the Islamic faith and engage in acts of charity throughout the year. Let us, therefore, commemorate this day by sparing a thought for, and visiting the orphans and the widows, our less fortunate brothers and sisters in institutions for the disabled and homes for the elderly.

Our nation is facing troubling times, and there seems to be no reprieve in sight, as the criminal elements rampage with apparent impunity. What is equally troubling is the attempts by some in our society to promote discord and divide our nation. I urge citizens to not let these persons achieve their goal. Let us join hands and work together to ensure that our nation returns to peace and prosperity. Together, we can make a difference, and bring about positive change.

Let us offer up dua (prayer) for our fellow citizens, our communities, our leaders and our nation. Let us work together to strengthen the values of mutual respect and trust and deepen the bonds of friendship among all citizens in our country. Let us ensure that our hearts are pure and have no feelings of hate or animosity, and that we lead righteous lives as we serve God and make a positive contribution to our families, our community and society.

Today is a day when our happiness and entertainment become a form of worship to Allah. Enjoy this time, and make the most of it with family, friends, and your community.

Eid Mubarak to all!

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition

15th June 2018