Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated today

May 24, 2020 News

Assalaamu ‘Alaikum
The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) wishes to inform all Muslims that the crescent for the month of Shawwal has been sighted; therefore, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated today, Sunday 24th May, 2020.
The President, executives and the staffers of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) takes this opportunity to wish the entire Muslim community, EID MUBARAK!
Wasalaam,
Shaykh Moeenul Hack
Director of Dawah and Education
CIOG
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Message of His Excellency David Granger
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Eid Mubarak!
I extend greetings to all Muslims and to all other Guyanese on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. This sacred festival commemorates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims performed acts of abstinence and engaged in ritual fasting and prayer.
Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of how divine worship is connected to social responsibility and personal sacrifice. It compels us to continue to demonstrate compassion and kindness to one another. These personal expressions of goodwill and concern for our fellow citizens reinforce social cohesion and mutual respect.
Eid-ul-Fitr emphasizes the values of temperance, perseverance and self-denial during the holy month of Ramadan, which provided a time for devotees of Islam to engage in spiritual reflection and the reaffirmation of their faith.
Eid-ul-Fitr is significant to all Guyanese. The festival’s exuberance has been tempered this year by the social and personal restrictions, which have been adopted, out of necessity, in order to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic has witnessed sacrifices by our medical and essential workers in their efforts to administer lifesaving care and ensure the health and safety of others.
Eid-ul-Fitr, nevertheless, is a happy occasion for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Let us all celebrate our faith and fellowship.
Eid Mubarak!
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FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CIOG

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Faith and humanity,
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh.
May the Peace, Mercy, and Blessing of Allah (SWT) be upon you all!

Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak! On this joyous day of Eid ul Fitr, the Executives and Staff of CIOG join with you in spiritual celebration.
The Holy Quran, which was revealed to our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the Blessed month of Ramadan, is the source of truth and wisdom:
“And We sent down in the Quran such things that have healing and mercy for the believers” (Al-Isra, 17:82)
Ramadan was an exercise in patience, discipline, and cleansing. We restrained ourselves physically and mentally, and subdued our egos, in order to get closer to Allah (SWT). We devoted ourselves to various forms of Ibadaat (worship) and prayed for forgiveness, mercy, and healing for the entire world.
Congratulations for having fulfilled the honourable obligation of fasting in the Holy month of Ramadan. Now comes the time of celebration, reflection and gratitude.
In our celebration, let us not forget our less fortunate brothers and sisters who face difficulties and hardship, those facing the challenges of illness, hunger, and despair. Open your hearts, reach out, find ways to help, be a good example. Let us comfort and sustain others, while filling them with hope and reminding them that Allah (SWT) is Gracious and Merciful.
Today does not herald the end of worship. On the contrary, it heralds a new beginning of heightened Taqwa (piety) for the believers who sacrificed a lot during Ramadan and are ready to transform their lives as a result. O servants of the Most Merciful, this is the reason for joy and celebration today. The fast of Ramadan reminded us about the pangs of hunger and thirst and Eid ul Fitr reminds us of the value of selflessness, goodwill, and community.
Muslims have a moral responsibility to work towards uniting the peoples of our country by promoting peace and harmony. This noble act attracts tremendous blessings from the creator and is beneficial to the creation.
‘And who is better in speech than the one who calls [his brethren] unto Allah, and does what is just and right, and says, “Verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves to Allah”…’ (Al Quran, 41:33).
As we celebrate the Eid festival virtually, let us embrace our brothers and sisters in faith as well as our brothers and sisters in humanity. It is our duty to promote the core Islamic values of peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and service to others. Let us nurture harmonious relationships among our families, communities, and our nation. This will allow us to reap material benefits grounded in spiritual and ethical values. This is the foundation of Islam.
Protecting each other is a religious obligation. It would be remiss if I do not reflect on the current health crisis due to COVID-19, a pandemic which has gripped our world. While we observe the rules laid out by Health officials, we should use this time of social and physical distancing to reflect on the fragility of life. What is it that is really important to us? As the earth goes into reset mode, displaying evidence of reduced pollution and less stress on the environment, so too must we reset our views on what is important in our lives. Family, friends, neighbours, associates, and employees all make up the fabric of our lives – the question is, are we leaving a positive and lasting impression on others? Are we a medium of hope and mercy for people? Are we fulfilling the roles we were placed on earth to perform with integrity, kindness, justice and compassion for all, even the animals? These questions we answer for ourselves.
With the permission of Allah (SWT), this crisis will end, but we must never forget those who risked their lives on the frontlines to protect us and put themselves at the forefront of protecting us – the physicians, nurses, and other critical care workers – as well as those who ensured our food supply – the farmers, shippers, truckers, and store personnel. These are the courageous agents of mercy; so please pray for them.
May Allah (SWT) Bless and have Mercy on us all. May Allah (SWT) Bless and have Mercy on our country and the entire world. We beseech Allah (SWT) to accept all our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings. May Allah (SWT) graciously grant us His Help, Guidance and Healing. (Ameen).
I close with the pillar of reliance of trust in Allah (SWT): Hasbunnallah Wa Ni’ Mal Wakeel.
Allah (SWT) is sufficient for us; and how excellent a guardian is He!
WASSALAAMU ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAAHI WABARAKAATUHU!
And may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of God be with you.
Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad
President CIOG

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GAWU Message

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) wishes to extend warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters and indeed all Guyanese as we once again celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr signifies the ending of the period of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting. But we are aware that Eid-ul-Fitr is not only about fasting, but it’s a time for love, perseverance, kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. These qualities are the essence of Islam.
While the period of Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection and meditation, Eid is a time of celebration to mark the conclusion of the holy month and it is also a time to rejuvenate bonds of kinship, friendship, peace and demonstrate tolerance and love.
Those values that come to the fore in such times remind us in a timely way of our humanity and what are necessary in our continuing quest for social justice, apart from underlining the variety of religions that make up our nation and which add to our cultural richness.
So let this celebratory occasion provide us all with an opportunity to stretch our hands out to each other as we pursue enduring harmony in our relationships. Let us transcend our differences and disagreements and reach out to one another with a new spirit of peace, and tolerance.
May the spirit of Eid inspire us all to renew our determination to support and promote the cause of peace, worldwide. May Allah shower his blessings on mankind and guide people globally onto a path that would lead to a world where tolerance, empathy, and general betterment will prevail.