Breaking fast, building bridges

2026-03-20 - 05:13

Eid-ul-Fitr offers a priceless opportunity for cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of one of the world’s great religions. Recognised as a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago since 1967, its observance reflects not only religious devotion but also the spirit of national unity that defines our society. While many believe that Eid began locally with the arrival of the Fatel Razack in 1845, the presence of Islam in Trinidad and Tobago predates that moment. Muslim West African slaves carried their faith with them long before indentureship. In the 1800s, an enslaved African man, Jonas Muhammad Bath, secured his own freedom and that of more than 200 fellow Muslims. He established a community in the Santa Cruz Valley, where they practised Islam, serving as their imam and laying an enduring foundation for the Muslim community in our country. Today, Trinidad and Tobago stands as a remarkable example of coexistence. We are a nation where diversity is not merely tolerated, but embraced. In my own community, I witness this daily: Muslims observing their fast, Hindus gathering flowers for morning prayers, a Baha’i neighbour preparing for Naw-Rúz, and Christians of various denominations living harmoniously alongside one another. This is the essence of our national identity on Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims across the country and around the world offer prayers of gratitude to Allah. With the sighting of the new moon, they gather for special congregational prayers and open their homes to family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. It is a time marked by generosity, hospitality, and joy. More importantly, it is a moment that invites all of us—regardless of faith—to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together. Our landscape, dotted with mosques, temples and churches, reflects this shared existence. It is a visible testament to our commitment to tolerance, peace and harmony. Even within our institutions, this diversity is evident, reminding us that representation and inclusion are integral to who we are as a people. As a child growing up in Curepe, I remember being captivated by the splendour of the St Joseph TML Masjid. Eid was always a special time in my household as well. My late mother, a Hindu, would prepare sawine and other delicacies, blending traditions in a way that felt natural and unifying. These moments reinforced a simple but powerful truth: celebration often transcends religious boundaries. Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. Observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. During this period, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and pilgrimage. However, fasting is not solely about abstaining from food and drink. It is a time of self-discipline and spiritual reflection—avoiding negative behaviour, cultivating patience and strengthening one’s relationship with God. Despite the physical demands, Muslims continue their daily routines, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Ramadan is also deeply communal. Families and communities gather each evening to break their fast at iftar, often extending invitations to neighbours and friends of all backgrounds. These shared experiences foster understanding, respect, and unity. Within the final ten nights of Ramadan comes Laylat al-Qadr, the “Night of Power,” believed to be when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed. It is a time of heightened prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. There is much that our nation can learn from the values embodied during Ramadan and celebrated on Eid—discipline, generosity, humility and compassion. These principles have the power to strengthen not only individual character but also the fabric of our society. If we can celebrate together and share in each other’s traditions, then surely we can come together to address the challenges facing our nation. Trinidad and Tobago has long been recognised as a “rainbow society,” rich in cultural and religious diversity. Eid-ul-Fitr stands as one of the clearest expressions of that unity, reminding us that our differences are not barriers, but strengths. By embracing the spirit of Eid—its emphasis on gratitude, charity and togetherness—we can build a more compassionate, resilient and united nation. In doing so, we honour not only the traditions of the Muslim community but also the shared values that bind us all. I extend heartfelt wishes to the Muslim community and to the nation as a whole for a happy and holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to all.