Imam calls for unity, forgiveness, reflection during Eid celebrations

2026-03-21 - 03:04

Freelance Contributor Muslims worldwide are facing mounting hardship as divisions within the global Islamic community deepen, a crisis intensified by external forces, according to Imam Shaykh Munaf Mohammed. Delivering his Eid message at the Islamic Missionaries Guild Islamic Centre in Kelly Village, Caroni, yesterday, Imam Mohammed said external forces have influenced Muslims to turn against one another, contributing to ongoing instability in the region. The religious leader began proceedings with prayers before addressing the congregation on the virtues of the Ramadan fast and the spiritual rewards associated with it. Speaking in both English and Arabic, he reminded worshippers of the importance of faith, devotion and the forgiveness of sins promised to those who fast sincerely during Ramadan. He described Eid as a time of joy and spiritual fulfilment, noting that believers celebrate after completing their religious obligations. However, he urged Muslims to use the occasion as an opportunity for reconciliation and forgiveness. “There is no place in our hearts today for hatred, enmity or the breaking of family ties,” Imam Mohammed said, encouraging members of the community to mend strained relationships and embrace unity. Addressing global issues affecting Muslims, Imam Mohammed pointed to the ongoing suffering in Gaza and other parts of the world, saying that while Eid is a time of celebration, it should also be a moment for reflection on the plight of others. He warned that disunity among Muslims has historically made them vulnerable, citing conflicts between different sects and nations as a major factor in weakening the global Muslim community. According to the Imam, such divisions have allowed others to take advantage, leading to instability in countries including Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and Sudan. “They have been trying in multiple ways to wipe out Islam and to get rid of Muslims because they do not want it. And among the different strategies, my beloved brothers and sisters, that they have been putting up and setting up, they have been putting Muslims to fight each other. Sunni against Shia, Arabs against Persians, nations against nations. And while we fought among ourselves, others were rejoicing, happy, watching and planning and attacking us one by one. “So, while we were quarrelling among ourselves, others took advantage of us and started to obliterate us one by one,” he said. Imam Mohammed added that throughout history, Muslims have faced challenges and opposition, but emphasised that Islam, which he described as a religion of peace and submission to God, remains resilient. He urged believers to remain steadfast in their faith, promote unity and resist efforts to divide the Muslim community. Eid celebrations vary due to moon sighting Imam Mohammed and astronomer Isa explained why some Muslims chose to celebrate Eid yesterday while others celebrate it today. Imam Mohammed said that wherever the moon is sighted first in the world, it indicates that Ramadan is over. “We believe that as long as the crescent is being sighted, regardless of where it is sighted, we will accept it as long as it is a reliable source, and we have confidence in it, we will accept it. “However, there are some people who feel that they have to see it for themselves. And hence the reason people will be observing their fast on Saturday (today), just simply because they did not see it for themselves. But we have the technology, and information can be shared quickly.” Isa Mohammed, president of the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy, said that because of the position of the moon relative to the sun, it becomes visible in some areas before it becomes visible in other areas. “There are some countries that would be able to easily see the moon on a particular day, while other countries cannot see the moon on a particular day. But it is how the Islamic law is interpreted by the various groups. There’s also technology that could be used to see the moon – telescopes, cameras. But there are some groups that accept the use of telescopes and cameras, and there are some groups that, for them, they would need to see it with their own eyes. So based on the differences of these various groups of Muslims, you would find many Muslims are celebrating Eid on one day, while others are celebrating Eid on another day,” Mohammed said.