The following is a message from Prime Minister Stuart Young on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2025.

Fellow Citizens,

Eid Mubarak. I bring greetings to you from the Government, my family and the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Today we are privileged to celebrate alongside our brothers and sisters of the Muslim community, one of their sacred observances, Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

I expect that many citizens, from their personal stations, will extend themselves to share and celebrate with the Muslim community, as its members praise and show gratitude to Allah – the compassionate, monotheistic, omnipresent and omniscient.

We should be reminded that Islam means “Surrender” to the will of Allah, as “the creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world.”

Since the seventh century, the tenets of Islam have spread from Mecca across the Middle East, to Africa, Europe, India, China, along South East Asia and to the Americas, with a following of approximately 1.9 billion people, estimated at about 24 percent of the world’s population, all bound by a common faith, a sense of belonging and solidarity, traditions and the encouragement of individual thought, based upon the teachings of the Holy Quran.

In short, Islam has cushioned millions, as a daily prescription to cope with the burdens and stress of everyday life in a world that is becoming increasingly “over-heated.”
That “therapeutic prescription” is not exclusive to its followers, but extends to mankind. It invites us all to surrender and live in a divine presence with God. Its message urges us to experience a deep search for our true selves so that we can live in alignment with God.

Living with a belief in God gives our lives genuine purpose and meaning; it shapes our attitude towards our own life and those around us.

The civic-minded citizen – which our country needs — is said to be like the religious faithful, who inserts the scriptures into his or her daily actions; such persons do not read about God and then try to fit His word around their particular needs, they live with God’s Word.

They acknowledge the presence of God, and seek a complete alignment of mind, body, heart and soul; they seek an ultimate wholeness in God, and as good citizens they seek, in their own way to cultivate a culture of Discipline, Production and Tolerance for their country.

During today’s celebrations, I urge that we all reflect on these virtues, and how its adoption in our lives can improve our country. How can we make our country one that our children would be proud to be a part of, and to want to continue building for future generations?

May we all take inspiration from our Muslim brothers’ and sisters’, understanding that true devotion to God also means embracing generosity and compassion. Let us strive to make kindness and selflessness a fundamental part of our everyday lives, fostering stronger communities and, ultimately, a more compassionate, united and unified nation.

As you come together in your masjids and homes to celebrate this special occasion, may we all commit to upholding the values of peace, love, and equality that are central to Islamic teachings. Let us work towards building a society founded on mutual respect, deep bonds of unity, and a shared commitment to understanding and harmony.

On this day of celebration, as the Muslim community exchanges gifts, offers charity, and seeks a deeper spiritual connection, may we all be inspired to extend kindness to those around us. Whether it is a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger in need, let us embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion, spreading goodwill throughout our country. And may we emulate these traits not just on special occasions but adopt it as a way of life as we write a New Chapter for our beloved Trinidad and Tobago. Inshallah.

Eid Mubarak to all citizens of our beloved twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago and to all Muslims around the world.