Good evening.
As-salamu alaykum.
It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all as we gather to celebrate Iftar at The President’s House, and, indeed, as Muslims across the nation and the world observe Ramadan.
Words can hardly express how delighted His Excellency and I are that The President’s House is once again the setting for so significant and cherished a tradition. This evening is made all the more special by the presence of Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali, spouse of the late Mr. Justice Noor Hassanali. Mr. Justice Hassanali was the second President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and holds the distinction of being the first and only member of the Muslim faith to have served in that capacity. Mrs. Hassanali, we are truly honoured to have you here this evening.
Permit me to also acknowledge and commend the wonderful students who have not just been participating in, but who have also taken the lead in this evening’s proceedings. I think that we can all agree that they are doing an outstanding job. What makes their contributions even more significant, is the environment of respect, understanding and fellowship that they have helped create for all of us gathered here tonight.
This is particularly meaningful to me, because, from the very beginning of my term as President, it has been my hope that President’s House would serve as a space where faith, culture, community and the energy of young people could converge; and as a place which encourages greater intellectual and cultural awareness, particularly among the youth. This evening, that vision is being realised as we come together to learn from and share in the traditions of our Muslim sisters and brothers.
Ramadan offers profound lessons, not only for Muslims, but for all mankind. Many of us are aware, for example, that Ramadan is a month of fasting. On the surface, we might think that fasting is all about denial. Beneath the surface however, fasting is much more than that. Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, and subordinates the flesh to the spirit. Far from being only about denying our bodies food, fasting serves the deeper purpose of leading us into spiritual fullness. Fasting is therefore not so much about denial, as it is about achieving spiritual abundance. It helps us to understand the profound truth that, often, we must be empty in order to be filled. During Ramadan, fasting is also accompanied by increased prayer, generosity and introspection. And so, ultimately, Ramadan helps us strengthen our relationship with Allah, purify our intentions, and become better versions of ourselves.
As our Muslim brothers and sisters prepare to break their fast this evening, all of us gathered here, are being gifted the chance to gain insight and perspective into the discipline, devotion and meaning behind that act. We are all being invited to come into a deeper appreciation of the sacrifice, self-restraint and sacredness of the season. What a privilege it is that here, in Trinidad and Tobago, we have the opportunity to learn from one another in this way. What a blessing it is that we can spend this time together in appreciation, reverence and understanding.
I wish to acknowledge the students and teachers from the four (4) schools observing the proceedings this evening. Your presence and your support speak volumes about your openness, curiosity and respect.
I would also like to thank, once more, the students who have been playing a part in today’s programme. This evening would not have been possible without your participation, enthusiasm and leadership. In a world when so many things are changing, when values and practices once accepted as the basic underpinnings of respectful co-existence are being so violently upended, the demonstration of love and generosity displayed by you, students, gives us hope that all is not yet lost, and that there is still a chance for a better future for all of us.
Indeed, Trinidad and Tobago can still teach the world, through evenings such as this, that mankind can only benefit from greater expressions of the values we celebrate this evening: discipline, gratitude, understanding and, above all, faith.
His Excellency and I thank you all for accepting the invitation to share an Iftar meal with us this evening and we look forward to enjoying the rest of this time of fellowship with you.
May this Iftar dinner and this holy month bring renewed hope to every heart, peace to every home and continued blessings upon our beloved nation.
Thank you.
See below album for more photos of the event:
