As Muslims across the country in celebrated Eid, President Dr Irfaan Ali called for a renewed focus on inner peace, family unity and compassion, reminding citizens of the deeper lessons of Ramadan.Delivering his Eid message, the Head of State noted that while Guyana continues to enjoy peace, many parts of the world remain affected by conflict, underscoring the importance of preserving harmony at home.“Today, as we gather here in Guyana to celebrate Eid, we do so under circumstances in a world where peace is elusive… sometimes, as people who enjoy peace, we forget how important and beautiful peace is for our existence, how beautiful peace is for our families, our communities, and our country,” President Ali said.He urged that the values cultivated during Ramadan, such as humility, charity and responsibility, must not end with the holy month but instead guide everyday life.“Ramadan was that period that allowed us to demonstrate and prove to ourselves that we are capable of executing these responsibilities… that we are capable of sharing love, that we are capable of being charitable, that we are capable of honoring our parents and honoring our elders,” he stated.The President placed strong emphasis on the concept of inner peace, outlining several principles rooted in Islamic teachings. Central among them, he said, is remembrance of God.Quoting from the Qur’an, he reminded, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do the heart finds rest,” adding that this connection allows individuals to navigate both joyful and difficult moments in life.He further explained that contentment is key to achieving peace of mind, noting that individuals must accept life’s circumstances as part of divine will.“It is contentment. Contentment with the creator and pleased with his decree… when we become content with every circumstance… then we will not spend hours upon hours questioning ourselves,” he said.President Ali also spoke of the importance of patience and trust during hardship, encouraging citizens to remain steadfast even in moments of grief and loss.“Trust in his plan, accept his plan, and in even in those times of hardship, accepting it with patience… and in times when we are blessed, being thankful,” he urged.Another key message focused on purifying the heart by rejecting negative traits such as jealousy, pride and hate, while embracing kindness and mercy.“Peace… can only be achieved by us showing mercy,” he said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad, “Show mercy to those on earth so that those in the heaven will show mercy to you.”The President also reminded citizens of the importance of family, particularly honouring parents and maintaining relationships.“I want to remind myself and all of us that the highest door to paradise is service to our parents,” he said, referencing the Qur’an’s instruction on kindness to parents.Addressing family divisions, he made a heartfelt appeal for reconciliation during the Eid season.“Too many of our families are broken by siblings fighting against each other… Let this Eid be the one in which you bury your pride… pick up the phone and call your sibling and just say Eid Mubarak.”President Ali encouraged Guyanese to extend care not only to living parents but also to honour the memory of those who have passed by maintaining ties with relatives and friends.As he concluded, the Head of State expressed hope that the spirit of Eid will strengthen unity and bring renewed purpose.“May this joyous day of Eid bring us closer to the realization of the true meaning of life, brings us closer as family and allow us the joy… of the blessings of Ramadan.”
