Today is a special day for Muslims around the world as they celebrate the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. It serves as a reminder of the Prophet’s exemplary virtues and it is an opportunity to reflect on uprightness, mercy, compassion, truthfulness, bravery and generosity.
These qualities cut across cultures and religions and offer us valuable lessons.
Muslims believe the Prophet 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 consider these important elements and embrace life.
We have an opportunity today to dedicate our lives to doing good things for ourselves, our loved ones and our nation.
On this special day, we should consider working together to raise the quality of life for every Fijian.
That should be something we all strive for. Surely, we can all benefit from Prophet Mohammed’s teachings.
There are many challenges for Muslims around the globe.
The Prophet Mohammed’s teachings, Muslims believe, are aimed at nurturing peace, harmony and respect for one another.
They are the basic tenets of most religions. We appreciate these factors and value doing good to others.
We live in a multiracial country, where religion, culture, traditional identity and values are appreciated.
These facets of life have real value.
As Fijians, we have grown up alongside one another in a country where issues of ethnicity, gender and religion have been part and parcel of our upbringing.
We have learnt to live together, making us a special nation.
We may have our differences, yet we live together, embracing those differences.
Perhaps it is time to learn about and appreciate other religions.
Our country is diverse.
Today, 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.
So, let’s encourage this as part of our contribution to nation-building.
We live in a country where religion, culture and traditional values are cherished. Our unique identity is built upon a rich connection of diverse ethnicities, genders and beliefs.
Today is also a reminder to reflect on the virtues of mercy, compassion and generosity, and to integrate them into our daily lives.
As we honour this day, let us renew our commitment to these principles and build a harmonious society. Let us remember that nation-building begins with how we treat one another, and that every act of kindness, understanding and respect strengthens the Fiji we share. That is the spirit we should carry beyond today, valuing life, embracing our differences and working together for the common good. That is how we can build a Fiji, together, with understanding and respect.
