Imam wants greater equity in distribution of resources

2026-03-22 - 01:05

Freelance Contributor Muslim cleric Imam Rasheed Karim has called for greater equity in the distribution of national resources, saying Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago should receive their “fair share of the national pie.” Karim made the remarks in an interview with Guardian Media following his Eid-ul-Fitr sermon at the Masjid ul Faaraq on Greenidge Street, Felicity, yesterday. While he commended the Government for increasing financial allocations to masjids for this year’s Eid celebrations, Karim said the support remained insufficient when compared with the needs of the Islamic community. “The bounties of the country should be disseminated equally. When it comes to financing of projects for the benefit of the Islamic community, that is not there,” he said. Karim also pointed to the period under the People’s Partnership administration (2010–2015), led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, noting that contributions were made to all Jamaats. “That is something I wish could continue. It should be maintained year after year, where the Islamic community can benefit financially and economically,” he added. In his Eid message, Karim stressed the importance of unity within the global Muslim community, stating that disunity has left Muslims vulnerable to exploitation both locally and internationally. “Because of a lack of unity, people around the world and in our own country are being taken advantage of. There is a lot of in-house fighting, whether internationally or locally, and that has to be corrected,” he said. “Unity in the Muslim ummah around the world is imperative,” Karim emphasised. Karim also questioned the motives behind ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, asking whether such wars are truly aimed at achieving peace. “Is this war to bring peace and betterment for the world, or for a certain group? Billions are spent on weapons while billions of people continue to suffer. That does not reflect humanity,” he said.