A special day
TODAY is a special day for Muslims around the country. They will celebrate the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. The prophet, Muslims believe, was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, and generous. Wherever you are, and whatever you plan to do on this public holiday, perhaps you could factor in the need to consider these important elements, and embrace life.
We have an opportunity to dedicate our lives to doing good things for ourselves, our loved ones and for our nation.
This is an opportunity for us to consider working together to raise the quality of life for every Fijian.
We can all benefit from Prophet Mohammed’s teachings. There are many challenges for Muslims around the globe. Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammad’s teachings are aimed at nurturing peace, harmony and mutual respect for one another.
In fact these are the basic tenets of most religions. Let’s face it. We live in a multiracial country, where religion, culture and traditional identity and values are appreciated. There is value attached to these important facets of life. We have grown up alongside one another, appreciating many things, making us a special nation of people who have learnt to live together.
If you haven’t already done so, perhaps it is time to learn about, and appreciate other religions.
We live in a country brimming with different religions, yet in the face of imaginary demarcation lines including ethnicity, we share one common factor, and that is our ability to live in peace and harmony with each other.
The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said something during celebrations in 2016 that is still apt today.
“Every year, this occasion serves as an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of thought we enjoy in our society,” he said.
“The values taught by the Prophet Muhammad formed the foundation of Islam, and carry meaning for all of humanity, irrespective of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“Our shared identity as Fijians transcends religious boundaries.”
In his message this year, he said Fijians should take a leaf out of Prophet Muhammad’s book by understanding that nothing else defines us but our good deeds, love of God and love of fellowmen.
“I’d like to share a parting message he delivered during his final sermon, standing before his fellow pilgrims in the shadow of Mt Arafat,” the PM said.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve.
“An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a nonArab has any superiority over an Arab.
“A white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over white — except by piety and good action.
“Some 1400 years later, these words — this spirit of inclusivity, of tolerance, and of equality — transcend any one religion or system of belief, and can inspire Fijians of all faiths. As Fiji celebrates 50 years of independence, and reflects on the many lessons of those years, one thing is certain, we are strongest when we recognise that no person has a God-given superiority over another.
“It is not our ethnicity, our background, or our creed that defines us.
“No, only our good deeds, and our love for both God and our fellow Fijians show our true character as both individuals and as a nation.”
We live in a country that is diverse in many things, from religion, to tradition and culture, and racial composition.
We have an opportunity to promote love, understanding and mutual respect for one another. Inter-religious harmony will have a large bearing on peace and tolerance in our country. That should be part of our contribution to nationbuilding. We wish all Muslims peace and happiness on this very special day.