The value of social equality preeminent in Zakat cannot not be overlooked – GTUC

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends Youman Nabi greetings to all Guyanese, more particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters.
The GTUC notes that this holiday which marks the birth of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), the Founder Leader of the Muslim faith and last Prophet from God (Allah) represents not only a day of worship but reflection of a birth that guides the spiritual pathway of submission to God.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters have added value to the nation’s moral compass with the five core beliefs, viz: -Profession of Faith (shahada); Prayer (salat); Alms (zakat); Fasting (sawm); and Pilgrimage (hajj),” the GTUC said.

The Congress noted too that as the second largest religion in the world, plagued with injustices, “the value of social equality which is preeminent in Zakat cannot be underestimated or overlooked in these times”.

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19 has thrown the world into a tailspin, with dire consequences not only for the loss of lives but the global economy which will contract. These resultant factors are adversely impacting people’s socio-economic wellbeing, the GTUC said.

The Congress said that emerging from the global pandemic requires the utilisation of a political system that values social equality as centre to development. Such value must guide the distribution of resources and ensure all are treated equally.

“At this point Guyana recognises, for the first time in history, a President who is Muslim. As we celebrate this holiday, Youman Nabi, we do so cognisant of the value of Zakat and hope its principle guides his decision-making,” the GTUC said.