As-salamu alaykum. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon all as we enter this Holy Month of Ramadan.
As we begin this sacred observance, I address not only our Muslim brothers and sisters but every Guyanese citizen. Ramadan carries a universal message meant for us all.
This Holy Month is a time for deep introspection, fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal. It poses a profound question to every individual—and to our nation: What do we owe one another?
The Holy Quran teaches us that true righteousness is manifested through action. It involves giving our wealth, despite our attachment to it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, travelers, and those who ask. It is about exhibiting patience in poverty and hardship and keeping faith with our promises. This is the standard by which we are measured.
Fellow Guyanese, we are navigating extraordinary times. Our nation is building wealth at an unprecedented pace. Resources once imagined are now realized, and opportunities once distant stand at our doorstep. Yet, as we ascend, we must ask: Who ascends with us?
We are our brothers’ keepers. We are our sisters’ keepers. This foundational principle is what durable nations are built upon. Let this month of Ramadan remind us that our true progress will not be measured by the height of our buildings but by the depth of our compassion. It will not be in the volume of our exports but in the reach of our care.
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in the heavens will show mercy to you.”
During this month, I urge every sector of our society to embody what it means to be a keeper. Let your success be measured not only by profit margins but by the opportunities we create for those left behind—especially the less fortunate among us. Let your zakat—your charity—be abundant.
To all Guyanese: Let this be the Ramadan when compassion becomes our national habit. Let us view charity not as an occasional gesture but as an ongoing responsibility.
I ask every Guyanese to reflect on their own capacity for giving. Not everyone can donate large sums, but everyone can contribute something—be it time, attention, advocacy for fair treatment, or simply being present for someone who is suffering. These acts also represent wealth and righteousness.
To my Muslim brothers and sisters, I pray that our fasting draws us closer to the Divine, our prayers are answered with peace, and our sacrifices are accepted with mercy. May this Ramadan bless your homes and fill your hearts with certainty.
To every citizen who hears this message: May the spirit of this Holy Month inspire a new covenant among us. May we emerge from these days spiritually renewed and practically transformed. Let us resolve that the Guyana we are building will ensure that wealth serves the people, not the other way around.
We are our brothers’ keepers. We are our sisters’ keepers. Let us demonstrate this—not only with words but through our wealth, our policies, our daily choices, and our unwavering commitment to uplift those around us.
Ramadan Mubarak!
May Allah accept from us and from you. May God bless our Republic and guide us all toward righteousness.
