Caribbean and South American Muslims Congratulate Guyana’s New President

After 500 plus years of history in the Caribbean region prior to Columbus’ genocidal invasion, as navigators on Columbus’ journeys, as enslaved Africans and indentured labourers, Caribbean Muslims raised their hands in thanksgiving to God that one from amongst them is elected a leader of a nation. They also reached out to President Irfaan Ali to congratulate him as the new President of Guyana. Here is a selection of their messages to him beginning with local Guyanese Muslims.

Central Islamic Organization of Guyana

Letter of congratulations to President Irfaan Ali from CIOG

His Excellency
Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali
President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Georgetown,
Guyana.

Your Excellency,

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Baraktu

On behalf of myself and family and on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), I wish to congratulate you on ascending to the Office of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, amplified because you are also the first Muslim President of our country.

Your Excellency, the Muslim community is bursting with joy at this blessing from Allah (SWT), that he has chosen one from the Ummah of our Master Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to lead our country.

Make no mistake, your elevation to this office was made possible only by the Permission of Allah (SWT), who has entrusted you with guiding and protecting our nation. Please, do not ever breach the Amanah (trust) that Allah (SWT) has placed on your shoulders. In this regard, I remind myself and you of the verse of the Holy Qura’an: “It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you” (Al-An’âm 6: 165)”.

For your guidance, as you undertake this new chapter in your life, Allah (SWT) has said “There has come to you from Allah Light and a Plain Book.” (5.15). Please read the Book of Allah as much as possible; this will be the source of your success. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us” (Quran, 21:73).

Your ascension comes at a time when there is a lot of division in our country, but we are confident that you can heal the wounds and unite our people. Allah says in chapter 49 of the Holy Quran: “O mankind we have created from a single pair of a male and a female; and have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other, not that you may despise one another. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most righteous. Verily Allah is well acquainted of all things.”

I implore you to govern with Ihsan (excellence), compassion, justice, patience, endurance, commitment, sacrifice and most critically bowing down in Worship to the King of Kings, the Lord of the Worlds –Allah (SWT). It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (PUBH) said, “Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth” (Al-Hakim). Prayers and supplications bring us nearer to God and protect us from calamities and destruction. On the positive side, prayers and supplications plead our case to God who bestows more blessings on us. In verse 60 of Sura Mu’min, God commands us, “And your Lord says, call on me; I will answer your (prayers). But those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely enter Hell-in humiliation.”

May Allah (SWT) grant you the tawfeeq to lead our country in a manner that is pleasing to HIM. May Allah (SWT) bless you and bestow upon you the wisdom, strength, and humility to be worthy and successful.

I pledge my personal support and the support of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana.

Your Brother,
Al Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad
President of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG)

The CIOG is a humanitarian based Organisation that assists the poor and needy in healthcare, housing welfare and many other forms of assistance. Based in Guyana the CIOG operated on the kind and generous donations received. Since its establishment in 1979, the CIOG has worked vigilantly on the domestic and international scenes for the welfare of local Muslims, non- Muslims, and the ummah at large. They have worked to strengthened Muslim education and social welfare though various programmes while propagating Islam. CIOG is the preeminent representative body of Muslims in Guyana.

Guyana Islamic Trust

The Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) placed congratulatory message on its Facebook page. GIT is a multi-faceted , not for profit organization which has been established since 1978; working towards a better Guyanese society through Da’wah (invitation to good), Education, Tarbiyah (character building) and Humanitarian efforts.

CARIBBEAN ISLAMIC COUNCIL

The Caribbean Islamic Council brings together Muslim communities of the Caribbean in a Forum to discuss and explore issues affecting Muslims of the region. CIC held its conference in Guyana in 1999.

4th August 2020

His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali Ministry of the Presidency
Shiv Chanderpaul Dr
Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana

Your Excellency:
Assalaamu Alykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

On behalf of the Muslim communities of the Caribbean I extend warmest congratulations on your election to President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Our communities feel a sense of pride in knowing that a Muslim has been elected to one of the highest offices of Government in this region. We are confident that under your guidance and leadership and by the Mercy of Almighty Allah Guyana will pursue effective ways to address the challenges your country is facing.

The Guyanese Islamic community has been for many years a role model for other Muslim communities in the Caribbean. Your election to President further strengthens that example of Muslims playing their role in all sectors in the development and advancement of the countries in which we live.

The Muslim communities of CARICOM gives you their heartfelt support. We extend to you a warm welcome to visit our communities in the various countries that we reside.

May Almighty Allah bless you, strengthen you, save you from any harm and shower His Mercy upon you.

Yours truly,

Suleiman Bulbulia JP Director

The Organization for Islam in Latin America and the Caribbean (OIPALC)

A congratulatory statement was issued by OIPALC in both English and Spanish.

The Organization for Islam in Latin America and the Caribbean (OIPALC) is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Headed by Architect Muhammad Yusuf Hallar the organisation helps to promote Islam in Latin America, coordinate and organize Islamic activities and projects in Latin America. The strengthening of relations between the Islamic Communities and Organisations of the area with the rest of the world.

OIPALC’s Congresses has been held over the years since 2000 in various capital cities of South and Central America and the Caribbean. In 2014 their 9th Congress was held in Georgetown under the auspices of the Guyana Government and CIOG.