CIOG president says add constructive, positive actions to prayers for peace
President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, Fazeel Ferouz, has noted that Eid-Ul-Adha is a day of prayers for peace in all the areas of the world where there is upheaval, and in Guyana there will be prayers "for an end to the wanton, brutal and senseless slaughter of so many of our Guyanese brothers and sisters of all races and denominations."

The CIOG president asserted that "prayers however without constructive and positive actions will not work."

"We are all a part of the problem," he said, "and we must all be involved in finding a solution."

Focusing on the current situation in Guyana, Ferouz declared: "We are all to blame in some way for what is happening, either by what we have done or what we failed to do. This is not the time for cheap politicking and talking about constitutional changes [as] precious lives are being lost and criminals are taking control of our country."

According to the CIOG president, the country's political leaders must have only one item on the agenda - "bringing back the rule of law in our country and an end to the mayhem."

"The citizens of this country," Ferouz said, "will have to judge our politicians by their response to what is happening in our country." Continuing his message, Ferouz urged: "Let us all use this auspicious day of Eid-Ul-Adha for reflection and to make resolutions to work together to bring an end to this evil that has afflicted our country."

"Let us all resolve be we Government, Opposition, Black, Brown, Muslim, Hindu or Christian, rich or poor, to follow the example of the Prophet Abraham and be willing to sacrifice everything we own in the interest of truth, justice and equality for all," the CIOG president said. (Back to top)

Guyana Islamic Trust says Eid-Ul-Adha is lesson in sacrifice and faith
The Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) in a message extending Eid-Al-Adha greetings to all Guyanese, urges everyone to "derive the vital lessons of faith, hope, surrender, sacrifice, [and] dedication to the cause of God and the will and determination to prevail over all odds and hurdles regardless of how difficult they may be."

GIT also called on Muslims to rise up and meet the challenges facing the country, while committing themselves to their "mission of proclaiming Allah's words of global peace, racial unity and economic and social justice for all mankind."

The message further noted that the international Muslim community and Islam are facing "two threatening crusades":

"Firstly, there is the external campaign to vilify our religion and to dominate the Muslim lands and peoples culturally, militarily, politically and economically...(and) Secondly, there is the internal crusade resulting from the Muslim's lack of faith and commitment, our widespread illiteracy regarding the teachings and practices of Islam, our loss of self-respect and dignity and our disunity."

GIT suggested that Muslims should respond by returning to the way of Prophet Muhammad, and by emulating the example of their Father Abraham and their Mother Hagar. (Back to top)

People need to incorporate lessons of sacrifice into their lives
Muslim Youth League
The Muslim Youth League (Guyana) says that Prophet Abraham's great act of submission is regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of God and today, more than ever, human beings need to incorporate the lessons of this great sacrifice into their lives.

In a message on the holy day of Eid-ul-Adha, president of the organisation Shabir Hussain urged: "Let us not forget our poor and needy brothers and sisters as we observe this festival, by sharing our sacrificial offerings with them."

Hussain said further, "it is our sincere hope and prayer that we are able to affirm the unity possible among Muslims, and between Muslims and other religions."

"We must work hand in hand with people who have faith in the essential goodness of mankind," the League's president declared.

And he pointed out also that any leader must display the character of Prophet Abraham, especially his willingness to sacrifice everything he loved for the ultimate hereafter. "No one can be blessed with leadership if he displays no feeling, care and love for his fellow human beings," Hussain asserted.

The organisation is also calling on all Muslims to let everyone know the true basis of Islam, which "abhors and condemns terrorism and aggression, espouses peace and security and safety for all peoples regardless of nationality or religion or gender or race." (Back to top)