As the Muslim community in Trinidad and Tobago marked the end of Ramadan with Eid ul-Fitr, Prime Minister Stuart Young joined the celebrations in San Fernando on Monday.
His message was one of unity, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a nation.
In an atmosphere of reverence and reflection, Muslims at the Jama Masjid in San Fernando gathered to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, a time of gratitude, community, and faith. Among them was Prime Minister Stuart Young…He said the ability to worship freely must be protected.
“Today is a day that Allah has given us life once again. What we must not forget, I ask of you, is how many places in the world can we gather in the way that we’ve gathered here throughout Ramadan, and to come here this morning to give Allah the praise that he is due. And we do so in peace, and we do so without any worry whatsoever.”
With the general election on April 28th, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of maintaining national harmony beyond political differences.
“There is an election coming, but more importantly, there is a day after the election. And I stand here today before you, as I’ve done for the last four years, and my message to you is one of unity and unification. Because we have an opportunity now in Trinidad and Tobago under me as your servant leader, because I recognize I am here to serve the people.”
And the Prime Minister urged citizens to seek guidance in their choices, stressing that actions speak louder than promises.
“May Allah guide us and guide this country to know what is right, to know that. How do you do what you promise? And what I promise you is unification. What I promise you is that I will always do my best as a servant of the people.”
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Kazim Hosein reflected on his upbringing in the mosque, remembering past religious leaders and those who have passed away, urging the congregation to keep their faith alive beyond Ramadan.
“I got up this morning and I said, the holy month, the holy month of Ramadan, is leaving us, but Islam is not leaving us. We are Muslims always. We are born as Muslims. Guide us as Muslims. We die as Muslims.”
He reminded the congregation that his position in government is temporary and that his true purpose is to serve. He also called on the congregation to keep the people of Palestine in their prayers.
“I always say, and I remind everybody, this position that I have and I hold is from Allah and nobody else. And it’s a temporary position that I hold, and I will motivate anybody in this position. I use the office to help people across Trinidad and Tobago.”
Minister Hosein echoed similar sentiments like Prime Minister Young adding that faith, service, and unity must remain central in the hearts of all citizens.
Prime Minister Young and Minister Hosein also visited the Macoon Street Mosque… and as is customary, they both distributed zakat or alms to the needy at the end of the Khutbah