Location: Zanana League Hall
Hazrat Allama Hafiz Qari Abdul Rahman Barkati;
Hazrat Allama Maulana Mufti Qulam Ahmed Raza Misabhi;
Members of the Media;
Brothers and Sisters;
Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabaraktuh
May Allah’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings Be upon You.
Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who laid, through the guidance of Allah, his wisdom and kind preaching, the foundations for humanity.
Brothers and Sisters,
I congratulate Central Division Milad Group for hosting today’s celebration. We are not only celebrating the anniversary of the birth the Prophet of Mercy (PBUH), but also the essence of mankind. We are also celebrating the teachings, which gives rise to our true religion, and reminds us about tolerance and construction rather than destruction.
Our Rasool (PBUH), was very tolerant and patient. He never condescended other religions, but respected and acknowledged everyone and their religion.
Certainly, as a nation that continues to progress, these teaching of our beloved Prophet are something we can learn from. As we are recovering from the COVID pandemic, collaboration and tolerance are critical contributors to building a resilient nation. A nation, which comes together in such difficult times is a nation that will flourish and prosper.
We must appreciate that in Fiji, we as Fijians, have equal rights to practice any religion. This shows how united we are, and how open-minded we are to co-exist. This again, is consistent with what our Holy Prophet has taught us — to live and co-exist with each other, irrespective of race, colour or religion.
Just last Sunday, it was wonderful sight to see all Fijians coming together to celebrate Diwali. We were able to move freely and happily visit our Hindu brothers and sisters.
As Fijians we are lucky that we are able to move freely and celebrate with our friends and family. This freedom that many around the world are still deprived off.
Through Allah’s blessing and protection, we are still able host events and gatherings under parameters set by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and visit our loved ones. This is how fortunate we are.
Brothers and Sisters,
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.
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, their role as a wife, mother, or daughter. He taught us, our rights and obligations, that we are all equal in the eyes of our Creator irrespective of where you are in our social structures.
But how much of these teachings do we actually practice. This is a good time for self-reflection and to incorporate these teachings in our lives.
Brothers and Sisters,
Our Prophet is in the hearts and minds of Muslims all over the world. Despite His death over 1,400 years ago, our beloved Prophet’s name continues to be called out on every corner of the globe, five times a day.
It is important that we should not only recite His name, but we should and must live through teachings he left with us.
In closing, my message this morning, let’s 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 work towards been good ambassadors of Islam by applying the true teaching of our religion and achieving our purpose.
Brothers and Sisters,
We need to collectively send a message confirming the tolerance of all religions and that it should be a conduit to World peace and the compassion of all of humanity.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.