July 6, 2016: The following is a statement by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2016:
Assalaamu-Alaikum
On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, on behalf of the people and Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters the peace and blessings of Allah.
During the past month, the Holy month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, you would have engaged in deep contemplation and inner reflection. In surrender to Allah, you would have re-committed yourself to high moral values and the spiritual tenets of your faith.
Following this period of self-discipline and personal sacrifice; the celebration of Eid now asks the Muslim community to have empathy for the poor, make amends, renew old acquaintances, heal shattered bonds, revitalize relationships and spend quality time together as a family.
So too, as a Nation, as we join in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, we may take pattern from our Muslim community by resolving the disputes and disagreements which separate us from former friends, family and colleagues.
During this observance of Eid, let us open our heart, to find the love and courage, which will allow us to embrace those whom we believe may have wronged us.
We are indeed fortunate in Trinidad and Tobago, to have the opportunity to share in religious ceremonies and learn from traditions outside of our own professed religion.
This is an occurrence which many do not enjoy worldwide and indeed something that many would not even consider.
Yet here in this country, we honour four religious traditions with a national holiday and we willingly open our homes to friends and colleagues, not of our faith, to share the occasion.
However, our example of brotherhood is not emulated internationally.
The Qur’an teaches that people are called to live in peace - in submission to Allah, to be true to oneself and to live in harmony with others, the environment and the cosmos.
It is well known that the family unit is an important component of the Muslim community. This is clearly evident during the holy month of Ramadan, at Iftar, when members of families join together to break the daily fast.
As it is done at Iftar and on the Eid day, let us use the family unit to keep our children close to us.
And if we cannot do it in our individual families we must do it in our mosques, our temples, our churches and in our other places of worship.
Islam teaches that all Muslims are brothers regardless of race, tribe, colour or economic background; so too regardless of our origins we are all citizens of this space we call Trinidad and Tobago and we must continue to do all in our power to make our country safe, secure, successful and prosperous.
I look forward to further strengthening the positive relationship my Government shares with our Muslim community. We value your contribution to our country’s growth and development. We welcome your patriotic pride and we deeply appreciate your strong commitment to nation building, as together we pursue our agenda for national development.
May Allah fill your homes and your lives with peace and love.
To the Muslim community and all the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish you Eid Mubarak.