Senators bring Eid-ul-Fitr greetings

Eid-ul-Fitr greetings were brought to the nation by members of the Senate on Wednesday following a sitting.

Leader of government business Franklin Khan said this year’s Ramadan was one with a difference, as due to public health measures they were not able to congregate and perform iftar. He said he believed that this Ramadan was a test for all Muslims. He said while they were separated from their religious committees, it enabled them to repair and build stronger bonds with their families, especially as children were encouraged to join in the prayer and fasting at home.

Khan said Eid-ul-Fitr encourages Muslims to reflect on themselves and draw closer to Allah. He said it is a special day to share with the less fortunate. He encouraged Muslims and all citizens to reflect on the lessons learned during this special Ramadan and show compassion to the less fortunate and needy.

Opposition Senator Saddam Hosein said even though mosques and masjids have been closed during Ramadan, this meant that every home became a mosque. He said Eid-ul-Fitr brings an end to the compulsory fasting of Ramadan.

He said as bodies become weak, spirits become enriched.

He said the fasting period reminds Muslims what it feels to be without food and drink and to give back to society. As Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, he prayed the word will heal after the pandemic, that TT can heal wounds of division, and citizens can enjoy better standards of living.

Independent Senator Amrita Deonarine said Muslims came to TT in two streams, the first from African ports as enslaved people, and the second as East Indian indentured labourers. She said the Muslim community has contributed to every aspect of our national life. She said Muslims fast in Ramadan to perform acts of faith to bring them closer to God and the charitable works they do multiply their gifts from God. She said the country must be especially grateful to the Muslim community as they have doubled their charitable efforts to feed the hungry, house the homeless and do numerous acts of human kindness as the nation reeled from effects of covid19. She wished Eid Mubarak to the Muslim Community.

Senate Vice-President Nigel DeFreitas said the people of TT should use the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr to recommit to compassion, gratitude and helping their neighbours. He said TT has been built by people of all backgrounds and faiths. He extended greetings on behalf of the Parliament and the staff of the Parliament of TT to all Muslims and all of TT.