HONOURABLE MRS KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR writes:
Assalamu Alaikum
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.
Eid Mubarak.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition
9th April 2024