The Muslim Youth League of Guyana (MYL) and three other Islamic groups are urging Muslims to participate fully in the fast and services planned for the month of Ramadan and to use the opportunity to intensify their prayers and give charity to
In a press release, the Muslim Youth League of Guyana says Muslims should be grateful for another opportunity to “seek forgiveness, by fasting sincerely and intensifying …prayers” in order to benefit throughout the month from their efforts.
“Ramadan offers one the opportunity to be more generous and charitable, to be kind, caring and showing your concern for the less fortunate by utilizing of your substance to give comfort to those in need,” the group said.
Further, the MYL says Ramadan provides an opportunity for believers to develop good habits and to make positive changes in their attitudes by practising tolerance and patience in all situations and exercising restraint in all confrontations.
Similarly, the Anna Catherina Islamic complex (ACIC) called on Muslims to use the season to practice discipline, self-restraint, generosity and obedience in order to transform their lives and communities. “…Let us not waste the golden opportunity to use this month to the fullest, in order to achieve maximum benefits,” the group said.
According to the ACIC, Ramadan brings a promise of renewal and hope for the world and as such Muslims must observe the fast and other religious activities during the month with sincerity. “As we focus this year on self-restraint, prayers and acts of charity to achieve self-reform, these acts must be taken to the wider community. We cannot totally transform ourselves without reforming the communities we live in,” the group said.
Additionally, the executive of the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman and the management of the Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages said the month of Ramadan compels Muslims to respond to the plight of their poor brothers and sisters. They also urge Muslims to give charity to the orphanages as it is the only institution that meets the needs of orphans in the Muslim community.
The groups said in this age of political instability, ethnic and racial violence, greed, materialism and uncertainties, the month of Ramadan is a welcome gift to the world. “We need to extract the ingredients of nation building, religious and spiritual codes and appropriate moral, social and economic disciplined to establish strong progressive nations populated with citizens who are cognizant of their duty first to God,” the groups said.
