On this sacred occasion of Youman Nabi, I extend greetings to our entire nation, but especially to our Islamic brothers and sisters, as we commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Youman Nabi is a time of reflection, reverence, and renewal. This sacred day invites us to look within ourselves. It is an occasion when we are advised to pause to draw guidance from the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him). For his was a life marked by compassion, wisdom, humility, and justice.
The Prophet’s life remains a perpetual light to the world. His teachings instruct us that true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in mercy, unity, and service to others. His mission was not only to convey the message of Allah, but also to embody it through kindness to the poor, fairness to the marginalised, and respect for all humanity.
One of the central messages of the Prophet was the need for unity. Although the Qur’an and from the Qur’an itself, the Prophet (peace be upon him), often in his teachings, reminded the faithful:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103).
This call to unity remains as relevant today as it was more than 1,400 years ago. For us in Guyana, it is a timely reminder that division weakens us, but unity that spans faiths, ethnicities, and communities strengthens the bonds that bind our people together.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also taught us that peace among people is of greater value than ritual worship alone. He said:
“Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and charity?” …It is putting things right between people, for hatred and discord are the razor (that shaves faith).” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi).
In so doing, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) reminds us that the rituals of religion, while vital, are incomplete if they are not accompanied by the work of forgiveness, mending relationships, and providing a framework for the peaceful existence of all people.
At a time when our societies can be shaken by envy, division, and mistrust, the words of the Prophet offer timeless guidance. He warned us clearly:
“Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices one to another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another, but be servants of Allah as brothers.” (Sahih Muslim).
These words reinforce that we must live in peace and unity, one in which societies are bound together regardless of differences in faith, ethnicity or culture. These words also echo across centuries to our present moment, calling on us to resist the temptations of division and hate. Instead, we are urged to live as brothers and sisters.
In our multi-religious and multi-ethnic Guyana, this guidance carries profound meaning. If we are to build a just, harmonious, and prosperous society, we must resist the forces that divide and weaken us. We must strive to put things into perspective to avoid any act that seeks to undercut the unity of our people.
As we commemorate Youman Nabi, let us remember that we honour the Holy Prophet not only with our words, but with our deeds. The true test of our devotion is seen in the way we treat each other, including the most vulnerable and the forgotten. It is about how we show empathy and love. These are the things the world needs today
Therefore, let this Youman Nabi be a time when we draw closer to God, and to one another. Let us embody the compassion, humility, and unity of the Prophet’s life in our own. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our faith but also enrich our nation, ensuring that Guyana continues to be a land of peace, harmony, and one in which the future is shared and prosperous for all.
I wish all Guyanese a blessed and reflective Youman Nabi.
Thank you and As-salamu alaykum.
