PM urges nation to work together for common good in Eid-ul-Adha message

The Muslim community celebrates Eid-ul-Adha on Wednesday, November 17. To mark the occasion Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has issued a message to the community urging the nation to heed the message of sharing and working together for the common good.

The PM's message is published below:

"I wish to extend greetings to the Muslim Community and the nation on the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha, which will be observed in Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday 17th November 2010.

"In the religion of Islam the first celebration is Eid-ul-Fitr. This is celebrated at the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The second festival is called Eid-ul-Adha, or the festival of sacrifice. This festival, according to Islam, is of greater significance than Eid-ul-Fitr, hence it has also been called Eid-ul-Kabir.

"The festival of Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated throughout the Muslim world, as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s trials and sacrifices. It is a reminder of the importance of principles, such as equality, humility, sincerity, selflessness and concern for the less fortunate. Eid-ul-Adha teaches us that we share a common bond of humanity and that we should try to work together as one people for the good of all.

"Eid-ul-Adha reminds us of the sacrifices made by the Muslim Community in every sphere of life for the uplift of our beloved country Trinidad and Tobago.

"Our Muslim brothers and sisters have toiled very hard for the development of our beloved country. In all strata of human development, our Muslim brothers and sisters have stood side by side with the rest of the citizens of this great nation to make it what it is today. I therefore salute the Muslim Community for their great contribution for the development of our beloved nation, Trinidad and Tobago.

"Today, Muslims in this country enjoy many privileges and are allowed to worship freely without interference and to establish places of worship without any hindrance, obstruction, prejudice or discrimination. We should all try to emulate the fine example set by our ancestors in this regard.

"The religion of Islam is more than a body of rituals, customs and traditions. As with all religions, it teaches us how to uplift our character, purify our souls, and so make us better human beings. Let us use this opportunity to serve others, to make our neighbourhoods, our communities and our country a better and a safer place for everyone. 

"This is the real proof of the presence of religion and spirituality in our society. Serve God by serving His Creation. Be an agent of God’s Love and Mercy. Do good, as Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) advised.

“Spread Peace, feed the poor, pray a small part of the night and you will enter Paradise.” [Hadith]

"Once again on behalf of the People’s Partnership Government and the People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I would like to wish all Muslims a blessed Eid-ul-Adha."

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister