The birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad S.A.S is celebrated Nationally today. See below a release by the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) followed by messages from others:
CIOG
You-mun-Nabi is the occasion where Muslims throughout the world commemorate the birth anniversary of the final Prophet to mankind, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S), who was sent as a mercy to the entire world with a message of mercy. His coming was foretold by his predecessor Prophet Jesus (A.S) among others.
The Holy Quran, the final revelation to mankind was revealed to him. His explanation of the scripture in words and actions are referred to as the SUNNAH which is the second source of guidance in Islam. For someone to become a Muslim he/she must testify to the oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S) is the final messenger of Allah.
God Almighty has commanded us to believe, obey, honor and love him even more than ourselves, pray for peace and blessings on him and having an intimate knowledge of the teachings of the Holy Prophet both in spirit and word, outwardly and inwardly. These, among others are some of the rights of the Holy Prophet and Muslims obligations towards him.
You-mun-Nabi gives us an opportunity to understand the message he brought, his private and public life and its relevance to our life.
In this regard, George Bernard Shaw, a famous writer and non-Muslim wrote:
“He must be called the savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problem in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness.”
How did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S) dealt with Racism and Prejudice?
He informed us, “All of you are from Adam (A.S) and Adam was created from dust.”
Therefore, if all humanity belongs to the same parent, we are all one and the difference in our complexion, language and culture are only a sign from Allah and a means of knowing one another, this is unity in diversity which was promoted vigorously by the Holy Prophet. He taught us that these differences were not meant to serve as the basis of superiority for this can lead to arrogance and eventually oppression.
In addition, he never permitted anyone to exploit racial insecurities, in this regard, he said: “wealth, social position and racial superiority do not give special status to anyone; all of you are equal in the eyes of God. It is only righteousness which makes you a distinguished human being.”
The success of his mission had been confirmed by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Michael H. Hart wrote in his book:” The 100: A Ranking of the most influential Persons in History.”
He states, that the most influential person in all history was Muhammad, Peace Be upon Him.
He said, “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and maybe questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level.”
Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the character of Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, Says in ‘Young India’:
“I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet’s biography), I was sorry that there was not more for me to read of the great life.”
When Muhammad (S.A.S) died at the age of 63, the whole Arabian Peninsula had changed from paganism to the worship of one God, from tribal quarrels and wars to national solidarity and cohesion, from drunkenness and debauchery to sobriety and piety; from lawlessness and anarchy to disciplined living; from utter moral bankruptcy to the highest standards of moral excellence. Human history has never known such a complete transformation of a people or a place before or since.
The greatness of this human-being and the impact of His message can be sighted in the fact that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S) died more than thirteen hundred years ago and the muslim population in the world today is approximately One billion and rising, almost one third of the world population and can be found in every country. None of them saw him but they believe in him and strive to implement his message in their daily lives.
On this important occasion, I call on all Guyanese to reflect on the message and life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S) given its universal relevance to mankind.
GAWU Youman Nabi Message 2016
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins our Islamic Community in their joyous celebration of the Birth of their Holy Prophet Mohammed (On Whom Be Peace).
GAWU leaves it to our Guyanese Muslim Brothers and Sisters to commemorate their joyous occasion in the fashion their religion recommends. But it is a known fact that Islam teaches Muslims to share. At times like these Muslims lead in charitable work as instructed by the guidelines of their Holy Text – the Koran.
Even as your Muslim friends demonstrate their devotion to a Higher Creator – Allah, their beliefs teach resilience, discipline and consideration for the less fortunate. And, even as Christians too begin to celebrate the Birth of their Saviour, Yoman Nabi reminds Guyanese to hold fast to the virtues of the Prophet (On Whom Be Peace).
At this time, there is no need for GAWU to enumerate the enormous challenges everyday life is throwing up for Guyanese from current Budget blues, to cost-of-living challenges and a frightening crime rate, we Guyanese need all the Hope the Birth of Prophets brings.
Here’s to a Youman Nabi 2016 of Hope and Joy at this time of year – from GAWU.
Govt extends Youman Nabi greetings
President Brig. David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana extend Youman Nabi greetings to all Muslims of Guyana and to the entire nation.
Youman Nabi, a national holiday, is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam/On Whom Be Peace) who Muslims believe was the final prophet sent by God unto mankind and the founder of Islam.
At Youman Nabi Muslims across the world celebrate the life of the Holy Prophet (OWBP) with gift giving and feasts along with prayers and recitations of the Holy Quran.
The life of Prophet Muhammad (OWBP) is an example to all Muslims and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana calls on all Muslims and all Guyanese to emulate this worthy example of living a life honour and doing good for all mankind in an effort to be our brother’s keeper and for the development and prosperity of our communities and our beloved country.
IAC Youman Nabi Message
The Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to extend greetings to all Guyanese especially those who are adherents of Islam, on the occasion of Youman Nabi, a national holiday, which commemorates the birth of (and the death) the Holy Prophet Muhammad (On Whom Be Peace).
The IAC recognises that followers of Islam were present in this country since the days of slavery, as many of the enslaved Africans were Muslims.
The IAC also recognises that new influxes of Muslims to this land occurred during the period of indentureship, as approximately one out of every five East Indian immigrants was a follower of the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon).
The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to remember the moral pathways outlined by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon) in which he called upon all mankind to the way of peace and to the belief in supreme being, and thus reminded them of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equality and concern for the dispossessed and the poor.
The IAC is therefore pleased to join with Muslims here and worldwide to observe this auspicious day, and urge that special prayers be offered for peace, so that our country can move forward with prosperity.
Happy Youman Nabi from IAC!
