CHARITY, compassion and concern for others should be practised every day rather than reserved for religious occasions, says Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
Speaking at the National Milad-un-Nabi Jalsa 2026 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday, Mr Kamikamica said the life and teachings commemorated during Milad-un-Nabi offered practical lessons for Fiji’s communities.
He said these values should extend beyond religious teachings and be reflected in people’s daily interactions.
“The first lesson is compassion,” he said.
Mr Kamikamica said people should show mercy and kindness to vulnerable, poor and suffering members of society.
He urged Fijians to look out for one another, including checking on struggling neighbours, showing patience towards colleagues and giving their time and resources to those in need.
He said honesty and integrity were equally important, particularly in maintaining trust within institutions, organisations and relationships.
“No institution, organisation and no relationship of trust can be sustained without this quality.”
Mr Kamikamica also highlighted humility as an important lesson, saying leadership and service should not be measured by status.
“The Prophet’s life was marked by simplicity and humility.”
He said the fourth lesson, unity, was particularly relevant to Fiji’s multicultural society.
Mr Kamikamica said the Prophet’s example demonstrated how people from different backgrounds could come together through shared values and mutual respect.
He said this reflected the Fiji the country was building, one where people of different communities, cultures and faiths could see themselves first and foremost as Fijians.
“We are bound together by respect, decency and a shared future.”
Mr Kamikamica said the fifth lesson was service to humanity, stressing that faith should be demonstrated through actions and the way people treated others.
He said the values of compassion, integrity, humility, unity and service should guide people beyond religious celebrations and become part of everyday life.
