Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, Eid-ul-Adha Message 2019

Hon. Dr. George Norton

Minister of Social Cohesion

With Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport

Eid-ul-Adha Message 2019

On behalf of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, I wish to extend sincere greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters, on this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

The story behind today’s ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ or ‘Qurbani’ dates back to many centuries ago, when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by Allah (God) to sacrifice his son.  Just when Abraham was about to make the sacrifice, Almighty God spared Ishmael’s life and replaced him with a lamb.

But it was Ibrahim’s willingness to knife his son that was seen as the ultimate act of submission, and continues to be honoured by the adherents of Islam.

This sacred day is observed during the 10TH day of the Islamic month of Zul Haj (Holy Pilgrimage).

Each year, Muslims from around the globe undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca – the holiest city for Muslims. This journey is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and this year a number of Guyanese Muslims have embarked on this Holy Hajj. We want to wish them a most rewarding experience, and a safe return home.

For our brothers and sisters at home, we hope that the real lessons of this sacrifice will be embraced. We hope that Muslims and non-Muslims will be able to sacrifice their egos, prejudices and ill thoughts so that we can all live in love and harmony.

In the spirit of Social Cohesion, let unite to partake in today’s festivities of charity and true faith.

EID MUBARAK, GUYANA!