The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm and sincere greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters, and to all Guyanese, on the sacred observance of Youmun-Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH).
Youmun-Nabi invites reflection on the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) whose message of mercy, justice, humility and compassion has guided generations, and whose teachings speak as clearly to the enduring question of human dignity as they do to the ordinary courtesies between neighbours.
Among the most enduring of those teachings is the recognition of a common human dignity. In his Farewell Sermon, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have reminded those gathered that an Arab holds no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, except through piety and good conduct. Spoken in the seventh century, that principle remains profoundly relevant to a society such as ours, enriched by the many peoples, cultures and traditions that call Guyana home.
The teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) turn, with equal care, to how we treat those closest to us. Believers are reminded that a neighbour must be safe from harm, and are enjoined to generosity, fairness and care for those who are vulnerable.
For Guyana, these values speak directly to the work of strengthening relationships between our communities. According to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever”.
Though the teaching speaks to the community of the faithful, its imagery offers a powerful reflection for Guyana. Our ethnic groupings, with their distinct histories, traditions and identities, are like different limbs of one national body. When one is weakened or suffers, the whole body is affected; and when one is uplifted, the whole benefits. Harmony, therefore, is about recognising our interconnectedness and supporting each other through kindness, empathy and care.
As we observe Youmun-Nabi, the ERC encourages every Guyanese to carry these values into our homes, our schools, our workplaces and our communities.
Happy Youmun-Nabi to all.
