The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is urging Muslims to celebrate Eid ul Adha by praying for peace and unity in Guyana and the wider world and for protection from natural disasters and other calamities.
In a press release, CIOG President Fazeel Ferouz said the most important part of Eid ul Adha is that it is a day of reflection and a commitment to rededicating lives to the service of the Creator. “It is a day of understanding that in order to effect any change in our masjids, community, society or the world at large we have to start first by changing ourselves,” he said.
Ferouz also noted that though the slaughtering of animals is an important component of the observances, it is important to understand that “we are going to sacrifice our evil inclinations, egos and unworthy deeds at the same time.” By this sacrifice, believers are pledging to make a change to better themselves, families, communities and country.
The CIOG president also advises Muslims to submit to the commands of Allah and to follow his path as they navigate their way through the current economic crises and rising poverty, increase in alcohol and drug abuse, widespread violence against women and children, the often total disregard for basic human rights and global warming.
“Muslims [are] blessed with countless opportunities to serve our fellow inhabitants of the world. But this involves sacrifice – sacrifice of our time, energies and resources motivated by a desire to bring people together and work with them in the pursuit of creating a society that is built on the ideals of respect, understanding and good-will,” Ferouz said.
He added that promoting peace and justice are responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of all those who are heirs to the Abrahamic tradition and as one such community, Muslims must be foremost in this struggle.
