Muslims were urged to provide moral and spiritual guidance to the nation when the National Islamic Convention was launched by the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) last week.
The convention, which featured well-known speakers from Canada and the US and saw the attendance of thousands of local citizens, ran from Friday to Sunday.
The event, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara under the theme ‘Advancing the Mission of [Prophet] Muhammad,’ sought to bring awareness of the struggles of the prophet in spreading the message of Islam.
The Murshid (leader) of the GIT Haseeb Yusuf noted that the convention was launched on the auspicious and blessed night of Aashuraa. He explained that Aashuraa is observed every year “by fasting and solemn reflection on the Liberation of the Jews from the Oppression of Pharaoh who enslaved them, deprived them of their most basic human rights, killed their children and subjected them to a life of poverty and debasement.”
Yusuf called on the gathering to “revisit the role that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) played in liberating mankind from the shackles of slavery, oppression, inhumanity, indignity and debasement….”
He said that “Muhammad was characterized by praiseworthy qualities and attributes. …Our challenge therefore, is to exemplify his beautiful character and purity in every aspect in our daily lives.”
Meanwhile, he said “poverty leads to sin and immorality” and urged Muslims in Guyana to do more “to address the dire needs of the poor and down trodden in our society. We must play a lead role in reducing poverty, illiteracy, racial disharmony and immorality in our society.”
He called on the Imams and leaders to become social activists because “our people look to their leaders for example… and to show compassion for humanity.”
To this end, he emphasised, Muslims must provide moral and spiritual guidance to our people, especially the young people, whose lives are being destroyed by alcoholism, drugs, disintegration of the family units; illiteracy, lack of livelihood skills and social values and hopelessness.
The convention was capped by a grand fund-raising buffet dinner, from which the proceeds are to go towards the establishment of a new social centre and multi-purpose hall in Sophia as the GIT seeks to expand it social relief and welfare work. The organization received millions of dollars in pledges at the dinner.
The GIT had also established a similar centre in Albouystown, where it conducts literacy programmes, counselling, feeding programmes and medical outreaches.
At the opening ceremony for the convention, Leader of the Opposition David Granger pledged a contribution of $100,000 towards the venture. He recognized that the GIT is known for its “humanitarian programme and educational work” and has been “silently but steadfastly articulating the values and propagating the principles of Islam for over three decades.”
Minister of Housing Irfaan Ali, who was also present, said that the GIT is doing an excellent job in promoting and advancing the cause of Islam.
He added that more importantly, the organization was playing a role in positively changing and influencing our society to “adopt higher morals, higher ethics and in the end, building a stronger and more sustainable society.”
In an address, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said he was saddened by the “reports in the papers daily about how we treat each other so violently, within family and work group.”
He said too that the rates of accidents on our roads are very high and that a study has found that it was 10 times higher than in the US.
“Whilst our roads may bear a big part of the blame… accidents are caused by speeding, driving under the influence, not being courteous and kind with each other as we use the roads,” Hinds said.
He also blamed the breakdown in morals on “young people taking up lifestyles that are not approved, not making the most of their lives and creating problems in society.”
On that note, he called on persons to “embrace the lofty principles of Islam and exemplify the lives that Muslims should live… the quality, fairness, tolerance and patience.”
He also commended and challenged the GIT for “up-keeping those characters which society needs.”
Hinds said, “I have no doubt that whilst you reflect on the life of Prophet Muhammad, you would also be looking at these modern times and how the teachings of the various prophets of the past would be realized and guide us in our lives today.”
Participants said that the lectures by renowned speakers like Shaykh Abdulla Hakim Quick and Shaykh Yusuf Badat of Canada were well presented and made them feel inspired and motivated.
Shaykh Quick has achieved a BA from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia and an MA and PhD from the History Department, University of Toronto, Canada.
Shaykh Yusuf Badat, who memorized the Quran at age 14, serves as a teacher for Arabic, Islamic Studies, Quranic Studies and World Religions at the Islamic Foundation School.
Other speakers included Shaykh Daud Abdul Haqq, Shaykh Abdur Rahman Khan and Naseeb Khan of the US, Mirza Mohamed of Trinidad as well as local scholars like Mufti Mohamed Aslam, Shaykh Abdul Aleem Rahim and Shaykh Moen-ul-Hack.
There were over 60 dignitaries from overseas, including from Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados and Haiti as well as thousands of local guests in attendance at the convention.
It also featured an Open House Exhibition, showcasing the work of the GIT and its arms, including the National Islamic Sisters’ Association, the Guyana Islamic Institute and the ISA Islamic School.
There was also a mini bazaar, where a variety of delicacies, Islamic apparel and accessories, and books, among other items, were on sale and display.
The programme also saw three simultaneous forums that included discussions, cultural presentations and motivational sessions for young people, men and women.
