Brothers and Sisters,

Members of the Media,

Invited Guests,

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabaraktuh

It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening 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 to 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, we as Muslims, are truly blessed; with the freedom we enjoy today. Far too often, we take for granted our blessings. The opportunities we have; Fiji is one of a few countries in the World that acknowledges each other’s religious festivals – and we do it so proudly – we give our citizens equal rights to practice their religion. This shows how united we are, and how tolerant we are to co-exist.

Brothers and Sisters,

There is one fundamental principle in Islam that has relevance to us all as we work to build a new and better Fiji, with common and equal citizenry and with justice and opportunity for all.

In Islam, everyone is equal, despite our ethnicity, language or nationality. No-one has more privileges, no-one has a higher status based on birth or wealth.

Therefore, as people of faith – you have an important role to play in society by being a voice to ensure ethics and morality exists in society, and especially for a democratic one.

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!