Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the Government and the nation share in Muslims’ traditions of gratitude to Allah, and recognise “your expressions of thanksgiving, communal sharing of meals, and generous gifts of charity to the less fortunate.”
In his Eid-ul-Fitr message, he added, “Trinidad and Tobago is a land of religious diversity and traditions, and it is praiseworthy that we can share with you as you recognise the omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence of an infinitely loving God.”
But he lamented that the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr come at a time when one commentator describes us “as living in an age in which ‘the world is in overdrive’—meaning that the customary political, economic, social and cultural orders are being up-ended, across the globe, with many fearing further disruptive and frightening consequences.”
“Today I must also express prayers, from my heart, for those two million-plus followers, who are caught in the struggle in the Gaza, and reaffirm that this Government stands firmly behind the international call for an immediate ceasefire, so that there could be urgent and effective relief efforts, across that region, for food and medical supplies to the suffering.”
Rowley said Muslims, like other religions, have met crises over the centuries.
He said when questioned, believers respond almost in unison that their inspiration and devotion are strengthened through their daily reading of the Qur’an, which for them is, unquestionably, the word of Allah.
He said they cite the “Magnificence” of the Qur’an. “Some referred to it as ‘a scientific miracle’ praising its outlined system of laws and justice; its balanced teachings; its comprehensive codes which provide answers for the everyday lives of its followers.”
The Prime Minister also encouraged the population to use the religious observance as “one of Trinidad and Tobago’s expressions of its national unity, and its support and respect for its religious diversity.”