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Bismillahi Arahamanee Araheem, Alhamdullilahi Rabil-Ala meen, Alhamdullilahi Rabil-Ala meen, Alhamdullilahi Rabil-Ala meen Fellow Gambians
I thank the Almighty Allah for the privilege to celebrate with you Eid-El-Fitr marking the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. On this auspicious occasion I extend warmest greetings and sincere congratulations to you all on behalf of my Family, the entire Government and indeed on my own behalf for the successful completion of this holy month of Fasting.
Fasting, is another unique moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam, which teaches us an effective lesson in applied moderation and will-power. It is a matchless institution that plants an ever-growing tree of infinite virtue and invaluable products. It equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic out look on life. It produces purity in the soul. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience, indoctrinates patience and selflessness and also provides him with a transparent soul, a clear mind and a light body. It inculcates in human kind the real spirit of social belonging, unity, brotherhood, humility and sense of equality before God.
Indeed, the teachings of Islam cater to all of humanity at large. All problems affecting humanity and our environment can be solved through proper implementation of Islamic Attitudes. Muslims need to reflect on the teachings of the Holy Quran and our Prophet Muhammed PBUH and act accordingly and be noble and responsible members of the wider Ummah. Muslims should be and mist break barriers against unity and brotherhood promote peace and love, the respect for the sanctity of life as well as endeavour work to foster Unity, solidarity and cooperation amongst ourselves and our Neighbours. In short, Muslims should be peace loving humble souls whose actions would be guided by the fear of ALLAH.
Fellow Gambians, due to recent dynamics in the international arena, our religion has come to the forefront of current world affairs and has dominated the political situation. In many parts of the world, outrageous criminal offences are being committed in the name of Islam and also in the so called "war on terror" at the expense of Muslims and our Noble religion Islam. Muslims should stop the slaughter of Muslims worldwide under whatever pretext. We must all stand up and defend our noble religion and live by its teachings so that all of humanity can live in harmony, peace and mutual respect. We must fight against Stereotyping and be what we are! muslims pure and simple living by the teachings of the Holy Quran.
Fellow Gambians, the non Muslims should also live by the teachings of their religion and foster Peace and love for humanity and stop waging a futile war against Muslims in General and Islam in particular; as this is also partly responsible for the carnage and human tragedy that we are witnessing today. Insulting Islam and trying yo humiliate Muslims would not serve them any useful purpose. If anything, it make this world more dangerous as Muslims are duty bound to defend their faith and dignity at any cost.
Politicians who believe that they can attain their dubious political ambitions by promoting religious hate, racism and violence towards and against other religions are very irresponsible and dangerous criminals that would bring nothing good to their people, their countries, and humanity at large; and such character must be rejected if we and our children are to live in peace, love and prosperity in a world where human beings would relate to each other simply as human beings worthy of respect and trust.
Fellow Gambians, Our beloved Country The Gambia is the best example for humanity, the world in General and the West in Particular; of religious Tolerance and the peaceful co existence of people of Diverse religious faiths and denomination. Those countries and Politicians that are intolerant should take lessons for the Gambia of what benefits to humanity religious tolerance can bring. If we al live by the teachings of Our Holy Books and Prophets, ont only would we live in perfect peace and harmony amongst ourselves but also with other people with whom we do not share the same faith or race.
I am proud to be not only a Gambian but the President of The Gambia as well, as well are a very great Nation, not in terms of land and population size but virtue of our strong moral and spiritual values that put humanity first in the heart of every Gambian. This is what makes us Unique. Our great love and respect for Humanity. If you love humanity you would always be tolerant and hospitable towards others; and this is the key to living in absolute peace with fellow human beings irrespective of race, creed or religion.
Fellow Gambians, let me take the opportunity on this happy and sacred occasion, to sincerely pray that ALLAH the ALMIGHTY accepts our sacrifice of self-denial and restraint (our fasting in short) and reward us abundantly in this world and in the Hereafter. May the Almighty ALLAH shower his blessings of abundant Peace, Good Health, love and greater Prosperity Upon the entire Gambian Nation and the world at large.
Happy blessed Eid-El-Fitr, Dewenaty, Eid Mubarak
I thank you for your attention.