- 10 APR 2024
Prime Minister’s Eid-ul-Fitr Message 2024
Message to the nation from Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024
The Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago extend Greetings to the Muslim community on the celebration of the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. These Greetings are also from members of my own family and myself, as Prime Minister.
On this public holiday, the rest of the population joins in various ways, sharing and respecting the joyous traditions of its Muslim brothers and sisters.
We share, too, in your traditions of gratitude to Allah, and recognise your expressions of thanksgiving, communal sharing of meals, and generous gifts of charity to the less fortunate.
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, and omnipresence of an infinitely loving God.
Your celebrations come at a time which 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.
But the believers of Islam have stood strong over the centuries.
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.
Muslims, like other religions have met crises, over the centuries.
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.
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, provides answers for the everyday lives of its followers.
As literature, they see the Qur’an as “brilliant” and “matchless”; its verses and chapters are considered so well-written and beyond human literacy that it could only be the word of Allah.
Also, they are bounded by their faith in the Prophet Muhammad, whom the Archangel Gabriel visited, in celestial form, and designated “the apostle of God.” The Prophet Muhammad is revered, by believers, as the last Prophet, a selfless leader par excellence, a miracle worker, gentle and forgiving.
Their mission, as believers, is to ascertain the true meaning of the Qur’an, follow the pillars of Islam and to seek divine intent in every family, spreading the word of the Qur’an everywhere.
So, as the Muslim community celebrates, let us all see this religious observance as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s expressions of its national unity, and its support and respect for its religious diversity.
As Prime Minister, I say Eid Mubarak to all members of the Muslim community on behalf of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago.
