The following is a message from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Assalamu Alaikum

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago will join their global counterparts in celebrating the sacred and significant festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

On behalf of the United National Congress, I wish them a very safe, joyful holiday.

I hope that Ramadan was a spiritually enriching time and that they have completed their obligation to Allah (swt) with stronger Iman and a renewed resolve to self-upliftment and progress.

I also want to take this opportunity to recognize and honour the tremendous, longstanding contributions the Muslim community makes to Trinidad and Tobago in all spheres, and I salute their commitment to morality, charity, and overall national development.

During Ramadan, our Muslim brothers and sisters demonstrated tremendous community spirit and piety, reinforcing that Eid signifies Allah’s beneficent reprieve after hardship and sacrifice.

This year, amid an unceasing, unprecedented crime and violence wave in our nation, this lesson is especially important for all citizens, for it emphasizes that we all have a chance to restore our lives, communities, and country to a place of love, harmony, and humanity if only we choose this path.

This Eid, I therefore urge all to choose to recommit to a life of peace, stability, and progress so that we too can collectively dispel the evil that stalks our lands, and claim the just rewards promised by the Prophet Muhammad, (Peace Be Unto Him): 

Angels on the day of Eid stand at the alleys and paths and say, ‘rush to the Generous Lord who gives great blessings and forgives great sins.” (Mustadrak al-wasā’il, 6:154).

On behalf of myself, my family, and the United National Congress, I wish the divine blessings of Allah bring you love, success, and joy.

May the spirit of generosity and kindness illuminate your path, bringing you joy and prosperity and the courage to change our nation’s destiny.

Eid Mubarak.