Opposition leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar is urging citizens to recommit to a life of peace.
In her Eid-ul-Fitr message to the nation, she said:
“With the arrival of the new crescent moon, Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago, and across the globe will be celebrating the sacred and significant festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
I wish them a very safe, happy holiday.
Today ends the holy month of Ramadan, a time of renewal and reflection.
Today, they celebrate with family and loved ones, as Imam Ali al-Rida said:
“The day of Fitr is appointed as Eid so that Muslims have a gathering and come out for the sake of God and praise Him for the blessings they have been given; and the day of Eid is the day of gathering, day of breaking the fasting, day of giving Zakat, day of happiness and day of worship.”
During Ramadan, as I joined my Muslim brothers and sisters at various Iftars across the country, I was especially touched and inspired by their tremendous community spirit and piety.
They reminded me that Eid signifies Allah’s beneficent reprieve after hardship and sacrifice, and a chance to restore our lives, communities, and world to a place of love, harmony, and humanity.
This is especially relevant in these ongoing times of violence, despair, destruction, and chaos, particularly in crime-ridden T&T and war-torn Gaza, so tragically and inhumanely devastated by Israel’s merciless assaults.
This Eid, I urge all to recommit to a life of peace, so that we too, can collectively dispel the evil that stalks our lands, and claim the just rewards promised by the Prophet Muhammad, (Peace Be Unto Him):
Angels on the day of Eid stand at the alleys and paths and say, ‘rush to the Generous Lord who gives great blessings and forgives great sins.” (Mustadrak al-wasā’il, 6:154).
On behalf of myself, my family, and the United National Congress, I wish the divine blessings of Allah bring you love, success, and joy.
May the spirit of generosity and kindness illuminate your path, bringing you joy and prosperity, now and always.”