The Guyana Trades Union Congress extends Eid ul-Adha greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters. This year’s event will be observed, as it was last year, when the world is confronting the challenges of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and in the case of Guyana the after effects of the flood, which according to the Government is the worst disaster in the nation’s history.
In these trying times our Muslim brothers and sisters have been asked, like Abraham, to show love and obedience to Allah (God) and like him will be rewarded for such demonstration. As the story goes, Allah appeared to Abraham in a dream and asked that he sacrifice his son, Ibrahim. This unselfish act, even though tempted by forces to disobey, was met with unflinching loyalty and obedience.
On Abraham’s way to make the sacrifice of his son God stopped and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. Abraham was rewarded for his obedience and willingness. His experience reminds us of the sacrifice of selfish desires for the common good, and of God’s mercy and benefits when we obey His command. This is, thinking of others, and placing our trust and faith in the Most High.
The lesson of Abraham is that Allah will never ask mankind for more than we can give and sacrifice, and He will also never leave or forsake the obedient. It is the mercy of Allah that continues to keep Guyanese, every day in these trying times, as we are presently being called to sacrifice of ourselves for our brothers and sisters, as Abraham was prepared to do with Ibrahim to prove his love and obedience to God. And on this and every day may Allah continue to shine His blessings on every Guyanese.
Happy Eid ul-Adha.
