Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, H.E. Mr. Raden Mohammad Benyamin Scott Carnadi;
President of the Ma’unatul Islam Association Fiji, Mr. Mohammed Rafiq;
General Secretary of the Ma’unatul Islam Association Fiji, Mr. Mohammed Arfad Ali;
Members of the Media;
Brothers and Sisters;
Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabaraktuh
Today, we continue the celebration of the blessed birthday of our noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who has established the foundation for humanity with his wisdom and kind preaching.
I congratulate the Ma’unatul Islam Association Fiji for hosting this symbolic occasion – an occasion to grant us right to pray as one, after many months of lapse due to the pandemic, in aspiration for giving rise to goodness, peace and blessings to us all.
Today, is momentous, because we are continuing the celebration of the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Today surely holds a special place in our hearts to further strengthen our Islam faith within this congregation.
Brothers and Sisters,
We are truly blessed to gather at a special place – and at a special time. We, as Fijians, are fortunate to have equal rights to practice any religion. This shows how united we are, and how tolerant we are to live happily. We are blessed; with the freedom and opportunities we enjoy – this in itself is a blessing.
Brothers and Sisters,
Today’s celebration gives rise to all the values of mercy in our religion and reminds us about acceptance, unity, respect and most importantly – equality.
Brothers and Sisters,
Men and women have roles – their roles are different, but their rights are equal. In Islam, we are completely equal. Women have their own independence in keeping and defending their individual and public rights and reaching their goals they can resort to any source they wish.
Man and woman are equal because they are created from the same source and created at the same time by the same God. They have the same parents and so they are brothers and sisters. Women and men are equally responsible for all the instructions given in the Quran.
Brothers and Sisters,
In Islam the reward for a woman who takes care of her children or her family is equivalent to a reward of a man who goes to war to defend his country and is killed.
Brothers and Sisters,
Obviously, by simple observation – women have greater endurance, sensitivity and patience than men, but also have higher responsibilities when these characteristics are required.
So, I thank our mother’s and sister’s for being our tower of strength, our source of protection and most of importantly our source of security. In our homes, in our schools, in our workplaces and our community.
As with other religions, Islam talks about peace, harmony, tolerance, humility, patience, respect and solidarity. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a living example of these values and what we stand for.
Brothers and Sisters,
We must respect each other, not bear false witness against others, be dutiful and most importantly, kind to our parents, families, friends and even animals. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urges us to look after our neighbours and guests, be generous and give our children good education.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught us how to look after oneself, how to behave as a husband, as a father, a son, as a neighbour. He also advised our sisters how to behave as a wife, a mother, a daughter.
He taught us, our rights and obligations, irrespective of where you are in our social structures.
We must appreciate that in Fiji, we as Fijians have equal rights to practice any religion. This shows how united we are, and how tolerant we are to co-exist. This again, is consistent from the time of our Holy Prophet who taught us to live and co-exist with each other irrespective of race, colour or religion.
Brothers and Sisters,
In the same vein, the message of Islam, conveyed by the noble Messenger, was a victory for freedom of faith, choice, belief and thought.
In closing my message today, let us make the celebration of his birth, an encouragement that brightens the way for us to live and realise the true concept of humanity, understanding, kindness, and forgiveness. Let us be exemplification of our faith for accepting and applying the true religion and achieving our purpose.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.