Muslims across Trinidad and Tobago joined the global observance of Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, gathering in large numbers to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, with prayer, reflection and celebration.
Danielle John brings us the highlights from the prayer service at the Hafeez Karamath Recreation Ground in Aranguez on Saturday.
Delivering the sermon to hundreds of Muslims gathered at the Hafeez Karamath Recreation Ground, Imam Mirza Ali-Mohammed reminded them of the true purpose of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We haven’t stayed hungry and thirsty from dawn till dusk just to lose weight and look slim and healthy. That’s only a by-product. It is not the main purpose. We fasted to show our love and our obedience to Allah, and to get closer to Him and to achieve and look for and strive for taqwa.”
The Imam explained that when fasting is done right, it instils values that should shape behaviour long after Ramadan has ended.
“It should have been able to give us a level of God consciousness. It’s supposed to help human beings rise above materialism and selfishness. It is supposed to make us more humble. It is supposed to make us more kind, more charitable and righteous. It is supposed to bring us closer to Allah. It is supposed to teach us patience and steadfastness. It is supposed to give us more energy and courage and enthusiasm and fervour and vitality to continue doing more good deeds.”
Also in attendance was Member of Parliament for Aranguez/ St. Joseph, Devesh Maharaj, who extended Eid Greetings on behalf himself and the Government.
“We would really like to send Eid greetings to the Muslim community in Aranguez and Joseph and throughout Trinidad and Tobago for peace Love, togetherness and unity. And may this unity and love that we are seeing here pervade and spread throughout the country.”
TTT News’ Naasira Mohammed, also spoke with Brother Nadeem, following the prayer service, who shared what he hopes to carry forward from this year’s Ramadan experience.
“Being consistent is what I hope to carry out through the rest of the month because Ramadan is in high time but we hope that we would be able to carry that energy and that vigor into the rest of the 11 months.”
Eid-ul-Fitr was observed on March 21st this year.