Chairman Ahlus Sunnah Rizwi Foundation,
Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zafar Saheb,
Allama Mufti Zulfiqar Qadri Attari Saheb,
Ulama and Haji Hazarat,
Trustees and Members of Ahlus Sunnah Rizwi Foundation,
Members of the Media,
Invited Guests,
Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatuh,
It gives me great pleasure to be here today to be part of this joyous occasion. Not only are we celebrating the birthday of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wasallam), today, we also celebrate and reflect on the legacy he has left behind for us. A legacy that we all can learn from, and carry on in our lives.
Our Nabi Kareem (PBUH) was honest, caring, compassionate, humble and kind. He was a great leader, yet lived a modest life. My words may not do justice to describe his greatness.
Brothers and Sisters,
These are just some of the simple individualities of our Holy Prophet (PBUH), which we need to remind ourselves, especially, during these trying times. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled us to changeround and go back to the beginning, we must remain unified in everything we do. We must recognise, that our unity is our strength, and our strength will lead to our ultimate victory.
Whilst we have stepped out of our comfort zones in adapting to the new-normal, our character, as Fijians, makes us relentless and spirited in everything we do. For the past few months, my team and I have been around Fiji, visiting Fijian businesses and communities. Although, I acknowledge this is a hard time, we must show appreciation to our brothers and sisters who have spared no effort in keeping our homes filled with surety and freedom from doubt.
Brothers and sisters, we as Muslims, owe a duty of care to all Fijians and rest of the World.
In saying this, this has awakened memories of the story of our beloved Prophet. He had a neighbor, of a different faith, who was unceasingly ill-tempered. She once fell ill, and our Rasool (PBUH) went and visited her and prayed for her. Brothers and sisters, this is what we need, combined solidarity as Fijians.
Brothers and Sisters,
As you will appreciate, the Fijian Government has responded swiftly and vigorously to the pandemic, and our preparedness as a Nation, has enabled us to come together and celebrate this momentous occasion surrounded by our families and friends.
We are truly blessed; with the freedom we enjoy today. Far too often, we take for granted our blessings. The opportunities we have, opportunities many are still deprived of. We are able to move around freely, host gatherings under parameters set by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and visit our loved ones for a simple meal or catch-up. We have gone almost 190 days without a case outside border quarantine.
Not only have we managed to repatriate Fijians, but on a daily basis get calls from Fijians and foreigners overseas who wish they were back in Fiji.
Brothers and Sisters,
Although we are not out of the woods, we must acknowledge everyone’s efforts in trying to reach normalcy one day. This means, you and I have to continue to work together, show our Fijian spirit, compassion and kindness, just as our Rasool (PBUH) did.
I encourage you to observe the guidelines in place and play your vital role on our road towards recovery. By doing your part, you support Fiji gain recognition on the international stage, providing a sense of confidence and security to our visitors, for when our borders reopen.
Brothers and Sisters,
As you all know, we are one of the few countries that gives its citizens equal rights to practice their religion. This shows how united we are, and how tolerant we are to co-exist.
Brothers and Sisters,
On this auspicious Miladun Nabi Jalsa, I’d like to leave you with the words of our Holy Prophet (PBUH):
“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever has not kindness has not faith.
Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.
None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
Thank you!