Local Government Minister Haji Kazim Hosein, said notwithstanding the current restraints and challenges due to COVID19, the spirit of Ramadan has indeed permeated the fabric of this society.
As he extended greetings to the Muslim community on the occasion of Eud-ul-Fitr, he said our Muslim brothers and sisters continue to demonstrate the core values which lie at the heart of Islam – patience, generosity, charity, compassion, brotherhood and self-discipline.
See the Minister’s full message below:
Eid-ul-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, charity and self-introspection. The entire month of Ramadan is an especially prominent time for Muslims, however, there is one night that holds extra meaning, and that night is Night of Power. The Night of Power – also referred to as Laylat-al-Qadr – is considered to be the Holiest night in the Islamic calendar. This was the night when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), by Angel Jibrail. This night falls within the last ten (10) days of Ramadan and is a night of great remembrance and worship to Allah (swt). It is said to rank higher than that of one thousand (1,000) months.
Once again around the month of Ramadan, stringent measures have been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19, a dreaded, deadly virus which to date has claimed the lives of two hundred and fifteen (215) people in this country and over three (3) million worldwide. Necessarily, therefore, the traditional tenets and practices of Islam associated with the month of Ramadan – gathering at the masjids and other venues for the breaking of the fast (Iftar) and the Taraweeh prayers have had to be curtailed as a result of this ongoing pandemic. This year, many of the traditions and celebrations had to be carried out at home and online via virtual sermons. Notwithstanding these restraints and challenges, the spirit of Ramadan has indeed permeated the fabric of this society; as our Muslim brothers and sisters continue to demonstrate the core values which lie at the heart of Islam – patience, generosity, charity, compassion, brotherhood and self-discipline.
Muslims continue to support individuals and families experiencing hardship during these times, by supplying them with hampers and other essentials while at the same time ensuring and encouraging members of their faith to comply with the Public Health Regulations, guidelines and protocols issued by Governmental Authorities. Such exemplary and noble qualities are worthy of commendation and emulation and indeed set the bar high for all of society.
As the Muslim community and by extension the national community prepare to celebrate the significance of this very auspicious event in the Islamic calendar – at home and in a very restrictive way – I make this dua for all of you. May this Eid bring you peace, happiness and comfort. May Allah accept your fasting, supplications, charity and sacrifices. May He grant you steadfastness on the path of righteousness and may He approve of all your kind deeds. May Allah elevate your faith so that you become closer to Him and may He cleanse your heart with His Mercy. May He bestow upon you His Choicest Blessings and may He ease the suffering of all mankind around the globe.
Ameen.
On behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and on my own behalf, I wish the Muslim community a safe, happy and healthy Eid. May Allah accept and reward all your efforts.
Eid Mubarak!
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