An International Muslim Scholar declared “the greatest gift to mankind is the gift of the Prophet Muhammed” in his presentations at the Eid Milad-un-Nabi services recently hosted at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC).

According to a press release Khateeb-ul-Islam Hazrat Maulana Allama Sayed Abulhasan al Azhari Ashrafi, in his feature presentation at the Lecture Hall at the ACIC, lauded Guyanese Muslims for observing Youman Nabi, in honour of the birth anniversary of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. He quoted many verses from the Quran and explained the personality and status of the prophet. Abulhasan also condemned persons who profess to be followers of the prophet but were committing acts against his teachings and personality, making particular mention of “suicide bombers” who kill the innocent in the name of Islam.

Abulhasan’s presentation was part of the commemorative programme organised by the Muslim Youth League of Guyana, The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman, the Guyana Islamic Forum and the ACIC. The release said the packed programme included qaseedas, messages and Quranic Exhortations and special guests such as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who attended the event extended greetings to the Muslim community, on behalf of the government. Other invites included Canadian High Commissioner Charles Court, Maulana Noorul Hadi Haleem and the PNCR MP Basil Williams, who spoke of the “great teachings of Islam”, Regional Chairman Julius Faerber and representatives from Muslim organisations from Trinidad, Suriname, Holland, Canada and Sri Lanka as well as local Imams, presidents and representatives from jamaats.