Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for Siparia, Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, is urging this country’s citizens to use the principles of Eid—spirituality, sacrifice, prayer, fasting, dedication—to “strengthen our individual sense of purpose going forward” in a post-COVID-19 world.
In her greetings on the occasion of Eid this year, the former prime minister observes that the “commitment of the Muslim community to their faith is indeed an inspiration to us all”, if we are “to become beacons of hope to the many citizens amongst us who are in despair due to the grim reality they face”.
The full text of the message from the Opposition Leader, follows…
KAMLA: “EID UL FITR IS ALSO A REMINDER THAT EVERY HARDSHIP CAN BE SOLVED BY SUPPLICATION AND DEDICATION OF ONE’S LIFE TO THE WILL OF ALLAH.”
As the Muslim community across the world observes the holy occasion of Eid ul Fitr, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters on this joyous day.
In 2020, celebrations such as Eid ul Fitr have had to change significantly, as across the globe the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic continues. I know that it has been difficult for many, but the spirit of our citizens remains undaunted. Now, more than ever, we need prayer, hope and faith to overcome the challenges before us.
Eid ul Fitr beckons a new level of spirituality amongst believers of the Islamic faith, reflecting on their journey of sacrifice, prayer, and fasting which they engaged in during the holy month of Ramadan. The commitment of the Muslim community to their faith is indeed an inspiration to us all.
Eid provides us with spiritual enrichment and reminds us that our purpose as humans is to offer ourselves in full devotion to Allah as we work towards protecting the vulnerable in our world. It is a reminder that every hardship can be solved by supplication and dedication of one’s life to the will of Allah as he will provide strength and guidance.
As our country and the global community battle the significant challenges posed by COVID-19, we must use the principles of Eid to strengthen our individual sense of purpose going forward.
We must seek to enhance our spiritual relationship with God in an effort to become beacons of hope to the many citizens amongst us who are in despair due to the grim reality they face.
I am comforted in the knowledge that the spirit of giving, of reaching out to the less fortunate in our society has not faltered, but indeed efforts have been expanded in the past weeks. We have witnessed members of the community uniting in their efforts to help families in need. In addition, many of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the medical field are courageously doing their part in caring for the sick and curbing the spread of the virus.
Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago, from all walks of life and in all sectors, contribute significantly to our national development, and for this, we thank you.
I pray that Almighty Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) accepts the fasting, the prayers, the worship and the good deeds done in the blessed month of Ramadan by our Muslim brothers and sisters.
I look forward to a time when we can all meet again.
Until that time, I wish you Eid Mubarak!
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition